The transfer saga surrounding Liverpool target Davide Astori has dragged into the weekend after he failed to meet Lazio’s deadline to join the Rome side.
Cagliari centre-half Astori and his representatives were given until the end of Thursday to make a definitive decision on a four-year deal which has been on the table for several weeks.
The ultimatum was overlooked and the 27-year-old remains in limbo, having decided to leave his current club during the summer transfer window rather than pen a contract extension.
A source close to Anfield told Football Express News the Reds are keeping an eye on the situation and if Lazio officially pull out of the race, Liverpool could be propelled to the front of the queue.
However, as we reported yesterday, Serie A champions Juventus are also circling following the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as manager.
Allegri was swiftly installed as the new man at the helm following the shock resignation of Antonio Conte, who led the Turin giants to three successive domestic titles but quit one day after the start of pre-season.
The new man in charge is said to be a keen admirer of Astori.
Lazio have offered a £5million fee for the player, who has less than 12 months left on his current contract.