Italian press claim Liverpool deal is imminent

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has stepped up his pursuit of Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen with reports in Italy claiming that Juventus are willing to open negotiations for the 30-year-old.

The experienced operator has been pinpointed by the Reds as a direct replacement for Javier Mascherano should he leave Anfield.

Poulsen has also taken in stints in the Bundesliga with Schalke and in La Liga with Sevilla and is thought to be eager to test himself in England before returning to Denmark.

The decision on the part of Juve to allow the Dane to quit Turin after only two seasons appears to stem from the belief of new coach Luigi Del Neri in the potential of Felipe Melo. The Brazilian, who was last season castigated for his poor form, is expected to be handed the duty of enforcing the bianconeri midfield as Juventus look to end their trophy drought.

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

The experienced operator has been pinpointed by the Reds as a direct replacement for Javier Mascherano should he leave Anfield.

Poulsen has also taken in stints in the Bundesliga with Schalke and in La Liga with Sevilla and is thought to be eager to test himself in England before returning to Denmark.

The decision on the part of Juve to allow the Dane to quit Turin after only two seasons appears to stem from the belief of new coach Luigi Del Neri in the potential of Felipe Melo. The Brazilian, who was last season castigated for his poor form, is expected to be handed the duty of enforcing the bianconeri midfield as Juventus look to end their trophy drought.

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