Italian striker Fabio Borini has now admitted a move to Liverpool was never in his thoughts. The 21 year old was previously linked with a move to Anfield but after signing a permanent deal at capital club Roma, the former Parma player said he would now focus on his new club. The striker had previously been co-owned by both Roma and Parma but has now been confirmed as a Roma player, for the sum of €5.3mn. He has signed a contract till 2016.

"I am a Roma player. It's not my business that there is talk about whether I go [to Liverpool] or stay. It doesn't matter to me, I am Roma," Sky Sports quoted the forward as saying.

The transfer has ended Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers' hopes of a reunion with the Italian hit man. Borini had a successful stint at Swansea City under Rodgers, while the club was in the Championship. He scored six goals in 12 games to help them gain promotion to the Premier League. The pair also worked together at Chelsea (where Borini was a youth player) and the Reds manager was reportedly lining up a £7mn bid for him. Borini, who joined the Blues' academy from Bologna in 2007, left Stamford Bridge last summer and moved to Roma, where he scored 10 goals in 26 appearances.

Meanwhile, Cardiff City are planning a bid for Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy, according to the Daily Mirror. The Welshman spent a season on loan at his hometown club two years ago, while contracted to Manchester City and the report says the bluebirds are now considering a permanent deal for the 32 year old player, who has only a year left on his contract at Anfield.

In other Liverpool news, former England manager Graham Taylor feels national team captain Steven Gerrard might struggle to stay at the top of his game from now on. The Liverpool skipper had been praised for his performances in the European Championship but the 32 year old appeared fatigued during the quarter final against Italy on Sunday, where his side crashed out on penalties yet again.

"Steven Gerrard has given everything to the cause, but he looked very tired. It doesn't matter how great the player, time catches up with you. It will be very interesting to see what happens over the next two seasons," BBC quoted Taylor as saying.