Liverpool readying bid for almost the all-round perfect wide man

Antonio Candreva may have only signed a new five-year contract at Lazio back in October, but reports suggest that this has not stopped Liverpool sniffing around a potential January swoop for the winger.

Despite his 18 international caps for Italy, Candreva is not especially well known in England. Perhaps he is best known for chipping a penalty successfully down the middle against Spain in the semi finals of the 2013 Confederation Cup.

Not only can Candreva be utilised on either flank, he is one of top creators in Serie A this season, creating 33 chances at goal, which is the most at Lazio and also more than regular Liverpool widemen Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling.

He also ranks favourably towards the top of the majority of offensive statistics across Serie A this season, assisting four goals directly, shooting over three times on average per game, successfully dribbling at the opposition almost three times per game winning over two free-kicks per game.

Candreva is additionally a regular crosser of the ball and this could bring Liverpool a slightly new dimension to their play, given most chances at present tend to arrive from intricate passing from more central pitch positions.

If Liverpool are successful with an offer in the region of €9m then this would appear to be on the cheap side for the 26-year-old and it should be remembered that Brendan Rodgers has a track record of success in the January transfer window, having brought Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho to the club at this time 12 months ago.

However, given that Udinese, as well as Lazio, own a share of Candreva, this could complicate matters.

Liverpool are not blessed with too many natural wide players at present and so Candreva would have to be regarded as an important squad addition, particularly if they are to prove right Premier League odds of 8/13 and finish in the top four this season.