Manchester City will rival Liverpool for Lazio striker Mauro Zarate if he becomes available.

The Daily Mail says the former Birmingham striker is likely to be on the move in the summer as the Italian side are running out of time to secure his permanent transfer from Qatar side Al-Sadd.

Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito is keen to do a deal after the 22-year-old scored 11 in 30 Serie A matches this season, but negotiations have proved difficult.

Liverpool and City have been alerted, but Jose Mourinho's Inter - Italy's home from home for Argentines - are also in the hunt.

Al-Sadd paid Velez Sarsfield about £10million for his services two years ago and are understood to be quoting an asking price of at least double to sell him on.