Italian star Dossena closes in on Liverpool switch while Roma are favourites for Reds star Riise

The 26-year-old is believed to be on Merseyside today having a medical ahead of a proposed move from Udinese.

The proximity of the deal has been confirmed by the player's agent, Federico Pastorello, who has been quoted in the Italian media today saying: "Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged documents via fax. The deal is practically done."

New man: Andrea Dossena, pictured battling with Milan's Seedorf, is on the move to Anfield

Dossena is getting married at the weekend, but both club and player want the medical concluded and the final details of the deal settled before then.

Initially, Udinese wanted £8million for the player, but a compromise has been reached and, subject to the medical, Dossena will become Liverpool's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Swiss right-back Philipp Degen.

Red star: Norway's John Arne Riise (centre) is likely to be heading for the Anfield exit

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will fund the move by selling John Arne Riise, with Roma now the favourites to sign the Norwegian.

Benitez will then move to try to complete the signing of Gareth Barry, with an increased offer having been made to Aston Villa that could mean the midfielder costing upwards of £15million.

Peter Crouch could be used as part-exchange in the deal.

Anfield chief Benitez is considering formally entering the race to sign Cardiff's 17-year-old midfield star Aaron Ramsey.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton - who made a £5million bid last night - have all been given permission to talk to the Welsh youngster, who became the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final at Wembley last month.

Liverpool made one initial inquiry but believed a deal with Manchester United was almost complete. However, it seems there is now some doubt over that, with Cardiff willing to allow the Premier League clubs to out-bid each other.

Liverpool could offer winger Paul Anderson and striker Adam Hammill as loan players to Cardiff for next season.

Anderson helped Swansea win promotion last season on a 12-month loan, and could now find himself offered to their bitter south Wales rivals for the next campaign.