Liverpool Transfer Rumour: Reds Target Serie A Defender

Liverpool are considering a move for Lazio defender Modibo Diakite, according to Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport. The 25-year-old is in the final season of his contract and has yet to agree an extension with the Rome-based club, meaning he is now free to speak to clubs outside Italy over a summer move.

The report states club president Claudio Lotito and manager Vladimir Petkovic are disappointed with the defender's rejection of a new contract and have resigned themselves to losing the player in January, for a nominal fee, rather than a free transfer in the summer.

The defender's agent, Ulisse Savini, has confirmed interest from Russian Premier League club Terek Grozny and the Reds but has ruled out a move to another Italian club.

"It's true, Terek is very interested in the player. While from part of Liverpool there was a poll. Now, however, we consider only immediate solutions. Possibilities in Italy for January? No, at the moment, only abroad," Savini said to Calcio Mercato.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is believed to want Diakite as a long-term replacement for veteran Jamie Carragher. The 34-year-old ex-England international is in the final year of his contract at Anfield and although Rodgers is expected to offer him an extension, he is unlikely to remain as a key member of the first team.

The Reds have also been linked to Sevilla's Argentine defensive utility player Federico Fazio. The La Liga club are in financial difficulties and president Jose Del Nido could accept a £3m bid for the 25-year-old, according to the Metro.

Reds Striker Vows to Prove Worth

Meanwhile, Italy international Fabio Borini says he is delighted with his return to the first team. The Liverpool striker, a summer signing at Anfield, suffered a broken leg early in the season and has missed a large part of his debut season with the club.

However, the 21-year-old former AS Roma forward made his return as a second-half substitute in last weekend's Premier League clash against Manchester United. And Borini believes he is now ready to show Liverpool fans what he can do for them.

"It's great to be back at Liverpool. It was good to come back, especially in a big game and play 30 minutes as we tried our best to get a draw. My Liverpool career is actually starting now, I think. I'd only played five league games and six or seven games in the Europa League, which is not a lot. It really starts now with great intensity week in, week out to get playing again," Borini told the club's Web site.

Liverpool next play Norwich City in a league game at Anfield, on 19 January. The Reds are struggling in the league this season and are in eighth, with only 31 points so far. The Canaries are 12th with 26 points.