Liverpool want Ansaldi

English giants Liverpool and last year's Europa League winners Atletico Madrid both have expressed their interest in Rubin Kazan defender Cristian Ansaldi, according to the player's agent.

The Argentina international joined the former Russian champions in 2008 and has a contract that runs until 2012. The 24-year-old full-back has been in impressive form in the Russian Premier League and has attracted the attention of some of Europe's bigger clubs.

Ansaldi's agent Pedro Aldave has now revealed that the former Newell's Old Boys player is ready for an adventure in England, Spain or Italy, and told Calciomercatoweb.it: "There has been some informal market interest from Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.

"I think he pays for the fact he plays in Russia, otherwise he would be in the national team. His contract with Rubin Kazan expires in December 2012 and he has no buy-out clause. Cristian wants to go away. He would love to play in England, Italy or Spain."

Aldave also disclosed a previous interest in his client from England, stating: "Last summer there was a deal with Manchester City and also some contact with Chelsea, but it all stopped because of a work permit. Now he has Italian citizenship and this could make things easier."

Source: Goal.com

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.