Cassano 'ready to make Liverpool transfer in January'

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson could be set to tie up a deal for Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano.

According to reports in Italy, the striker is keen on a move after a bust-up with the Genoa-based club's president Riccardo Garrone.

The Italian international is alleged to have come to loggerheads with his employer after failing to attend a club event and there have been suggestions that the rift is so severe that Sampdoria are considering tearing up his contract.

It is not the first time the temperamental star's personality has gotten in the way of his football.

He famously had a run-in with current England manager Fabio Capello, who coined the phrase 'Cassanata' in reference to him.

Italian journalists now regularly use Cassanata to describe behaviour that is considered detrimental to team harmony.

However, Cassano's talent on the football pitch is undisputed and has led to him playing for top clubs like Roma and Real Madrid, in spite of his fiery nature.

He could be just what Liverpool need to push them back into the top four and see them competing for honours again after a tumultuous start to the season.

The attacking guile that Gioiello di Bari Vecchia - the Jewel of Old Bari, as he is nicknamed in Italy - provides could be perfect for taking the pressure off Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.