Udinese coach Pasquale Marino has confirmed Liverpool are close to a deal for left-back Andrea Dossena.

Marino said: "I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way. Everything is going smoothly.

"The requirements are in place and the player has given his consent because he wants to test himself at an important club after the season he has had.

"Our director general was in England partly because of that just two days ago."