Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, with the deal agreed and documents now being prepared for completion within the next 24 hours. The Uruguay international is set to join Liverpool on loan, with the agreement including a buy option that gives the Premier League club the choice, but not the obligation, to make the move permanent. Barcelona have already given the green light for the transfer, clearing the way for Araujo to make the switch to Anfield. The non-mandatory buy option allows the club to see how Araujo settles into the Premier League before making a permanent commitment. The Catalan club can allow Araujo to get regular football elsewhere while keeping open the possibility of his return if Liverpool choose not to exercise the option.