Fiorentina have reportedly commenced discussions with representatives of Liverpool starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira about a potential move to Florence.

The 23-year-old's current deal at Anfield expires at the end of the season and the Daily Mail is reporting the Serie A outfit are ready to pounce.

Teixeira has had limited first team opportunities since signing for the Reds in 2012, having made just five appearances for the Merseyside club in between loan spells with Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

It is understood Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg are also interested in the Portuguese attacking midfielder.