Brendan Rodgers is close to making Roma forward Fabio Borini his first signing as Liverpool manager following lengthy negotiations in Italy.
Rodgers worked with Borini as a coach in Chelsea's academy and again at Swansea when the 21-year-old came on loan from the Blues in March 2011, scoring six goals in just nine appearances in south Wales.
That temporary move did not lead to a first-team breakthrough at Stamford Bridge and Borini, who moved to London from Bologna as a teenager, returned to Italy after making just three senior appearances.
The Italy U-21 international, who made his full international debut against the US in February, moved to Parma initially, but was immediately loaned out to Roma, who are believed to have an option to buy for £7m.
Borini has flourished on his return to his homeland and Rodgers saw enough of him at Swansea to believe he is good enough to slot into the Liverpool team on the right of a three-man strike-force.
The deal is slightly complicated by the fact Borini is co-owned by Parma and Roma, with each holding a 50% stake, which means Liverpool will have to reach an agreement with both clubs to finalize the move.
However, it is unlikely Liverpool would be expected to pay much more than the £7m price Roma had agreed with Parma as part of their loan agreement.
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