Lazio will abandon their long-running pursuit of Liverpool target Davide Astori if they fail to land the Cagliari defender this weekend, according to reports in the Italian media.
Il Tempo claims the Rome outfit have issued an ultimatum after losing patience, having agreed a fee in the region of £5million for the 27-year-old several weeks ago.
A source close to Anfield told Football Express News that Liverpool continue to monitor the situation with interest and the latest developments are of interest to the Reds.
They have not ruled out making an offer for the Italy international but are reluctant to become involved in a bidding war with clubs from his homeland.
It is not clear why the proposed move to Lazio has not been pushed through, but with several teams interested in his services it could be that his current employers are holding out for the most attractive offer.
The report reveals that if he does not complete a switch to the capital this weekend Lazio will move on to other targets, which could make Liverpool the new favourites to snap him up.
Astori’s contract with the Serie A outfit expires at the end of the 2014-15 campaign, which explains the relatively modest transfer fee.