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Dossena close to Reds switch

Image: Dossena: Second summer signing

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Italian full-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese.

Italian defender could be a Liverpool player by the weekend

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Italian full-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese. The defender is expected to undergo a medical at Anfield on Wednesday, with the Reds keen to push through a £7million deal. The 26-year-old is due to get married this weekend and Rafa Bentiez wants the final details completed before then. Udinese were hoping to hold out for £8million for the player, but a compromise between the two clubs has now been reached. Dossena will become Liverpool's second capture of the summer, joining fellow full-back Philip Degen in completing a move to Merseyside. The Italian's agent confirmed that the formalities of the transfer were almost complete and expects the deal to go through without any problems. "Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged documents via fax," said Federico Pastorello. "The deal is practically done."

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Dossena's arrival is likely to push John Arne Riise closer to the Anfield exit, with Serie A giants Roma emerging as favourites to capture the Norwegian international. The revolving door at Liverpool shows no sign abating, with Bentiez also believed to be ready to step up his efforts to lure Gareth Barry away from Aston Villa. Peter Crouch could be used as a makeweight in that deal, although the England international is also attracting interest from Portsmouth. Meanwhile, Cardiff youngster Aaron Ramsey is another potential arrival, although the Reds face stiff competition for the teenager's signature from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton.