Atalanta BC's Italian defender Davide Zappacosta has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool, according to reports.

The 23-year-old was part of the Italy Under-21 side that beat England's Under-21s 3-1 at the European Championship last week.

Zappacosta, who primarily operates as a right-back, has been monitored by Brendan Rodgers, who is now preparing a bid, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, the Reds face competition for his signature from Torino and Fiorentina, the newspaper adds.