Liverpool 'set to sign Helsinki striker Joel Pohjanpalo'

Liverpool are finally set to complete a deal for Finland goal machine Joel Pohjanpalo, almost nine months after he turned down a move to the Anfield club.

Scouted: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping to sign Helsinki striker Joel Pohjanpalo

The 18-year-old Helsinki striker, who shot to fame with 33 goals in 23 matches for the club's reserve team last season, has already found the net 19 times at senior level, and a host of leading clubs have expressed an interest in his signature.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea have all sent scouts to watch Pohjanpalo, but it was Liverpool who looked to have jumped the queue in March, when he travelled to Merseyside for a week-long trial.

The Reds offered boyhood fan Pohjanpalo a place in the club's youth team, but he turned down the switch, believing he could develop faster by remaining in the Helsinki first team.

However, Liverpool have not taken no for an answer, and are now working on an improved contract offer for the player, with talks believed to be at an advanced stage.

Helsinki are set to receive around £1million for the starlet, who is contracted to them until 2015.