The 26-year-old defender, who impressed this season in helping his side qualify for the UEFA Cup, has been linked with an £8million move to Anfield in the last few weeks and it appears negotiations are progressing.

"I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way," Marino told Italian station Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Everything is going smoothly. The requirements are in place and the player has given his consent because he wants to test himself at an important club after the season he has had.

"Our director general was in England partly because of that just two days ago."