Rafa wants former United star

Liverpool boss is reportedly considering making a move for former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi this summer.

Having left Old Trafford back in 2007 the New Jersey born Italian international has gone from strength to strength at La Liga side Villarreal and has been named in Marcello Lippi's provisional World Cup squad.

Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in new attacking options to help carry the burden that is placed almost entirely on the shoulders of Spaniard Fernando Torres and the Anfield boss may well be able to pick up the impish 23-year-old for a fee of around £12m.

Rossi has had three consistent seasons at Villarreal where he has managed 45 goals and made himself one of the most dependable strikers in Spain. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and fellow Premier League side Manchester City are also reportedly interested in snapping up his services.

The Liverpool manager could also tempt the Spanish side with the possibility of offering expendable Albert Rieira as part of any deal.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.