Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani is Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez's prime summer transfer target.

The Independent says Aquilani is Liverpool's primary target as the departure of Xabi Alonso became ever more inevitable yesterday.

Aquilani, 25, has been a long-term target for manager Rafael Benitez, who has been given encouragement that the player, one of Roma's three home-grown stars along with Francisco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, may become available this summer. He would not be cheap but should cost less than the £30m that Liverpool want for Alonso.