Liverpool looking at former United striker Giuseppe Rossi

Liverpool, 12/1 to win the Premier League, have been linked with a surprise swoop for Italy international Giuseppe Rossi. The Fiorentina forward once plied his trade at the Reds’ bitter rivals Manchester United but is reported to have a release clause of £28m.

Rossi, still just 27, has three years left on his deal with Vincenzo Montella’s team, but could be tempted to make a move back to the Premier League.

The New Jersey-born striker was omitted from Cesare Prandelli’s World Cup squad to much surprise, having still netted 16 goals in 21 Serie A appearances last season, despite spending a large portion of the campaigned sidelined with a knee injury.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers recently admitted he hopes to add another attacker to the Anfield ranks, following Luis Suarez’s departure and the collapse of a move for France and QPR forward Loic Remy.

Speaking recently, Rodgers said: “We haven’t brought in another striker other than Rickie Lambert but we aim to do that.”

“If we don’t, it means the right player hasn’t become available for us, and if that is the case we will continue with the group we have and I will be happy to go into the season with that team.”

The current Fiorentina frontman was plucked from Parma by Premier League giants Manchester United aged just 17, but only made five appearances for the Red Devils before being shipped out on loan to Newcastle United.

Rossi’s career really kicked off after a transfer switch to Spanish side Villarreal, where he spent five successful seasons, scoring 82 goals in 192 games, before moving to current club Fiorentina in 2013.

Capped 30 times for Italy, diminutive and creative Rossi would offer a different offensive option to Liverpool’s current strikers, pacy Daniel Sturridge and veteran poacher Rickie Lambert. The Reds, 9/2 to be top northwest club this term, have already made eight summer signings, but are yet to replace talisman Suarez with a forward who is proven at the highest level.