Rodgers Target Keita Snubs Liverpool Once Again To Move To Roma

Valencia midfielder Seydou Keita has decided to sign for Roma – even though recent reports in Spain claimed that he also received a lucrative offer from Liverpool.

The former Barcelona star was close to joining the Merseysiders during the January transfer window, but he instead opted to move to Valencia as Brendan Rodgers couldn't guarantee him regular football.

"Things were advancing with Liverpool...but when things with Valencia came up, I gave the go ahead. I was in very advanced talks with Liverpool, but Valencia came and I have more chances to play. All you want is to play and enjoy a high level and I can still play at that level" Keita said at the time.

"At Liverpool, I wasn't sure what would happen. When you speak to managers and directors you sense confidence, that's why I chose Valencia."

Six months later Keita has once again snubbed Liverpool to join Roma – with the Serie A giants confirming an agreement on the club's official website.

"AS Roma would like to announce that an agreement has been reached for the signing of Malian player Seydou Ahmed Keita," the Serie A side stated.

"The contract has the duration of one year, expiring on June 30, 2015."

Earlier this week Spanish newspaper AS claimed that Liverpool had renewed their January attempts to sign the player on a free transfer – offering him a lucrative deal.

Brendan Rodgers' side are looking to bolster the squad ahead of a busy season with Champions League football and he has already signed Southampton striker Ricky Lambert and midfielder Emre Can.

Keita would have given Liverpool much experience as the 34-year-old midfielder was a pivotal player during Barcelona's golden era, twice helping them to Champions League glory and winning three La Liga titles.