Dossena wants to leave Reds

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena seems destined for a return to Italy after asking manager Rafael Benitez for a transfer.

The 27-year-old international left-back failed to establish himself after being signed as John Arne Riise’s replacement in a £7m transfer from Udinese last summer.

Dossena made just 12 Barclays Premier League starts and towards the end of the season was third choice behind Fabio Aurelio and young Argentinian Emiliano Insua.

The Italian has told Benitez he would like to return to his homeland, with Juventus his preferred destination.

“Before coming back to Italy I talked to Benitez and explained to him my doubts,” he told Tuttosport.

“I told him I wanted to leave. He is an exceptional person and understood my problem.

“He told me that if they receive an offer that satisfies both the club and me, he will take it into consideration and try to facilitate my transfer.

“I would run to Juve. They showed interest in me last year, but then Liverpool stepped in and wrapped things up in less than an hour.

“Of course I would accept an offer. You’re talking about one of the biggest clubs in Europe.”