Plessis set for Lazio loan switch

Liverpool midfielder Damien Plessis could be set for a loan switch to Serie A strugglers Lazio, Goal.com UK understands.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been on the fringes of the Reds' first team for the past three seasons, making eight appearances in that time, and manager Rafael Benitez revealed yesterday that an Italian club had made an enquiry about signing Plessis on loan.

Goal.com UK understands that the Rome giants are heading the chase for the former Lyon-trainee, as they seek to arrest an alarming slide down the Serie A table.

Davide Ballardini's men currently lie 15th in Italy's top-flight, just two points above the relegation zone, and Italian football expert Susy Campanale says Plessis' physical presence would interest the Biancocelesti.

"Physical strength is prized in Serie A because it is so rare," said Campanale, who writes for the Football Italia magazine and website. "Inter have cornered the market in big, strong midfielders, so any of the top clubs would be intrigued by Plessis as a loan target. The Italian rumour mill suggests Lazio are the ones looking at him right now, and that sounds about right.

"Lazio are a club in serious trouble. It is not clear how much longer Ballardini can hang on, as they're sliding perilously close to the relegation zone."

Plessis was heralded as a potential star at Anfield after making an impressive debut against Arsenal in 2007, but the presence of the likes of Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Alberto Aquilani, plus the emergence of Lucas Leiva, has meant the Frenchman has found opportunities limited.

Benitez yesterday revealed that he would be prepared to sanction the release of Plessis on loan, telling reporters; "Plessis is a young player who isn't playing games. We were considering a loan but we're talking to the player and his agent.

"We had an Italian team asking about him and we'll see if we can find a solution that is best for him and for us."

Benitez is believed to be in the market for at least one more player before the transfer window closes next Monday, with Sunderland's £12 million-rated striker Kenwyne Jones his top target.

The Reds are also rumoured to have offered contracts to Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh, and Milan Jovanovic of Standard Liege. Both are out of contract this summer.

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