The agent of Andrea Dossena has revealed Liverpool blocked a summer move to Napoli for the fullback.

The 28-year-old Italy international has been repeatedly linked with Napoli in recent months, no more so than in preseason when a deal looked as if it had been struck.

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Federico Pastorello said: “The deal in August was real, but the problem was not just related to the contract.

“In fact, Liverpool, never even gave us the green light to deal with Napoli, at least not officially.

“Just over a year ago, Liverpool invested £8.5m plus bonuses in Andrea and they weren’t willing to let him go for half that figure.”