Liverpool FC have stepped up their pursuit of Willian with the £30million-rated Brazilian winger admitting his interest in a move to Anfield.
The ECHO understands the Reds have opened negotiations with Anzhi Makhachkala over a fee following their initial enquiry earlier this week.
Anfield officials have been encouraged by the Russian outfit's willingness to do business and the player's desire to head for the Premier League.
“I'm hoping in the coming days to receive an offer from a club like Liverpool. It sure is a great club,” Willian said.
“I'm hopeful and very calm. Of course England is a league that many dream of playing in and I'm no different. My agent has had conversations with some clubs.
“I love the Premier League and the style of English football, and certainly if it happens it will be good for me. I'll grow professionally.”
Boss Brendan Rodgers has cash to spend after a summer when the club's transfer dealings have so far yielded a profit of around £5million.
Anzhi are keen to sell as billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov looks to cut costs but they want to recoup the £30million they paid Shakhtar Donetsk for Willian back in January.
That hasn't deterred the Reds with owners Fenway Sports Group willing to finance a deal which would make the 25-year-old the second most expensive player in the club's history.
However, Willian would need to accept a reduction in the £100,000 per week salary he currently commands in the Republic of Dagestan.
Manchester City had a bid of around £34million for Willian rejected last month but that was before Kerimov decided to slash the wage bill and embark on a clearout of the club's prized assets.
January 2011 - £35m for Andy Carroll from Newcastle
January 2011 - £22m for Luis Suarez from Ajax
July 2007 - £20.5m for Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid
July 2008 - £20.3m for Robbie Keane from Spurs
July 2011 - £20m for Stewart Downing from Aston Villa
February 2008 - £18.5m for Javier Mascherano from West Ham
June 2009 - £18m for Glen Johnson from Portsmouth
August 2009 - £17.5m for Alberto Aquilani from Roma
June 2011 - £16m for Jordan Henderson from Sunderland
August 2012 - £15m for Joe Allen from Swansea
July 2004 - £14.5m for Djibril Cisse from Auxerre
January 2013 - £12m for Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea
July 2007 - £11.5m for Ryan Babel from Ajax
August 2010 - £11.5m for Raul Meireles from Porto
March 2000 - £11m for Emile Heskey from Leicester
August 2004 - £10.7m for Xabi Alonso from Real Sociedad
July 2012 - £10.5m for Fabio Borini from Roma
August 2006 - £10m for Dirk Kuyt from Feyenoord
June 2002 - £10m for El Hadji Diouf from Lens
June 2013 - £9m for Simon Mignolet from Sunderland
The Brazil international, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, has been told he can leave Anzhi but not at a knockdown price.
“He (Kerimov) doesn't want to let anyone go for free but he made it clear that if good bids arrive - something at least close to what he paid for the players - he would certainly help us go,” added Willian, who has been withdrawn from the Anzhi squad for tomorrow's game against Zenit.
“I've seen news of some clubs interested and my expectation is certainly great. It may happen tomorrow or on August 31.”
As the Reds look to agree a fee with Anzhi, their swoop for Granada's Guilherme Siqueira has been thrown into doubt.
Liverpool were confident of wrapping up a deal for the left-back this week but talks have now stalled after the asking price more than trebled.
The Reds, who had initially been told that Sigueira would be available for around £3.5million, were willing to pay £5.5million in order to secure his services.
However, Granada are now demanding £12million amidst claims that Real Madrid have entered the race for his signature.
If a compromise can't be quickly sorted then Liverpool will renew their interest in Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.
The France international claimed last week that he had agreed personal terms with the Reds but admitted there was no deal in place between the clubs.
A previous round of talks had broken down because Liverpool wanted a year-long loan with the option to buy next summer but Valencia insisted on a permanent transfer with the cash up front.
Having let Jack Robinson join Blackpool on a season-long loan, Rodgers needs an established left-back to provide competition for Jose Enrique.
