Liverpool are believed to be chasing a deal for Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva, according to reports in Italy.

The Italian international has been linked with a move to Anfield by daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, who say Brendan Rodgers is eyeing a summer deal for the 26-year-old.

Candreva, who is holding down a place in the Italian side ahead of this summer's World Cup, is widely regarded as a solid, versatile player, able to play on the wing or in a more central role.

But any transfer deal would be complex, with both Lazio and Serie A rivals Udinese both owning 50 per cent of the player.

Lazio are believed to be preparing a £7m bid to take complete ownership, but may face strong competition from Liverpool, especially if the Reds earn a top four place this term.

But if Rodgers is to do a deal for Candreva, he may need to move quickly in the summer to get a reasonable price, as his value will skyrocket if he has an impressive World Cup in Brazil. 

Source: Metro