Liverpool are preparing a bid for highly-rated Empoli attacker Riccardo Saponara, according to reports.

The 23-year-old made an impression last season, scoring seven times for the Serie A side.

And this campaign, he already has four goals and three assists in eight starts.

Italian publication Tuttosport say the Reds have sent scouts to watch the attacking midfielder and are now ready to make their move in the January transfer window.

But Empoli's sporting director Marcello Carli claimed last month that no player will be leaving the club in January.

"No-one will move in January," Carli told Calciomercato.

"We'll keep all our players. Then in June we'll evaluate any offers that come in, in line with club policy.

"We're used to rumours about our players, it means we're doing well. Saponara in particular is an important player for us, and his absence [through suspension] is weighing heavily.

"You have to see the positives in every situation though, and without Riccardo some interesting young players have had the chance to prove their quality."

Other reports in Italy suggest Saponara is keen on staying at least until the end of the season in a bid to bolster his chances of making Antonio Conte's squad for Euro 2016.

Source: Daily Express