Southampton ahead of Liverpool in race for Norway centre-back Vegard Forren

Liverpool had invited Forren to England for a trial however Southampton have now had bid accepted

Molde have accepted a bid from Southampton for Norway centre-back Vegard Forren, Press Association Sport understands.

Liverpool had invited Forren to England for a trial, but Southampton appear to have moved ahead of Brendan Rodgers' side in the race for the 24-year-old.

Forren's agent is reported to be meeting representatives from the Barclays Premier League strugglers in London today in the hope of agreeing personal terms.

It is understood that Southampton are hopeful of completing the signing of the defender, who has five Norway caps, in the next 24 hours.

Molde manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted earlier today that the Norwegian club had accepted a bid for the player, who has also been linked with Everton and Reading.

"There have been many inquiries from various English clubs, but Southampton submitted an offer," the former Manchester United striker told Norwegian newspaper Romsdals Budstikke.

"It was very interesting for us and Vegard. We are more or less agreed with the club, but nothing is a hundred percent confirmed.

"Molde is close to a deal, so we'll see if this is something that all parties will go with."

Forren joined Molde in 2007 and went on to become one of the club's star players.

The tall centre back has played close to 150 games for Solskjaer's side and last year helped the club win their second domestic championship.

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins sees Forren as the solution to his team's defensive woes this term. The south-coast club may have moved out of the relegation zone in recent weeks, but they have conceded 38 goals in 21 Barclays Premier League matches so far this season.

PA