Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani due to the impending loss of Xabi Alonso. Rafael Benitez is likely to use funds from Alonso's potential sale to Real Madrid to lure the Italy international to Anfield.

According to reports in Italy, Reds officials are currently in Rome to meet with the 25-year old and offer him a deal.

Roma boss Luciano Spalletti says he would love to keep Aquilani but may be forced to off-load him because fo financial problems at the club.

"We have been quite expert in recent years following the departures of a number of our top players, and we have always managed to reorganise ourselves well," he said.

"We would love to bring Alberto back to the levels that he has shown he can reach, but there are a number of clubs interested in his services.

"If he should find a solution that is good for him and less so for the club, then a move is unlikely to go ahead. Either way the challenge remains the same as we look to regroup and compete on the same level as the top sides in Europe."