Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers steps up negotiations to make Roma striker Fabio Borini his first signing

Brendan Rodgers is close to making Roma forward Fabio Borini his first signing as Liverpool manager following lengthy negotiations in Italy.

Wanted man: Fabio Borini enjoyed a fine loan spell at Swansea in 2011, and is co-owned by Roma and Parma

Rodgers worked with Borini when he was a coach in Chelsea's academy and again at Swansea City when the 21 year-old came on loan to the then Championship side 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 Under-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 £7 million.

Despite failing to make an impact at Chelsea, 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 per cent stake, which means Liverpool will have to reach an agreement with both clubs to finalise the move.

telegraph.co.uk