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LIVERPOOL FC are not preparing a move for Bologna midfielder Gaston Ramirez currently, despite numerous reports to the contrary this weekend.

The Reds have long been linked with the 21-year-old Uruguayan, who looks set to depart the Serie A outfit this summer.

And rumours had circulated in Italy over the past few days that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was readying a £16m move for the former Penarol man, and that talks between the two clubs could take place this week.

However, the ECHO understands that Liverpool have been left bemused by such reports, and that the club have not made any formal move for Ramirez, nor are they preparing to.

Ramirez, who is also rumoured to be interesting Napoli and Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, is a player Liverpool are aware of, having scouted him extensively over the past 18 months.

The left-footed attacking midfielder was identified by Damien Comolli, the club’s former director of football, as a potential target earlier this year, and tentative enquiries were made during the winter transfer window.

However, with both Comolli and Kenny Dalglish having departed the club, the Reds’ interest looks to have cooled, with Rodgers and his staff busying themselves pursuing a number of other targets.

Fulham forward Clint Dempsey is another name that has been linked over the weekend, with Sunday reports suggesting a £10m bid could be in the offing for the 29-year-old American.

Again, however, the ECHO understands that such reports are wide of the mark. Dempsey, who scored 23 goals for the Cottagers last season, is a player Rodgers rates, but no approach has been made by the Reds yet.

One player who could be set to depart Anfield, meanwhile, is Alberto Aquilani, with Turkish side Fenerbahce the latest club linked with the Italian midfielder.

Aquilani, who turned 28 on Saturday, is yet to return to Merseyside after a loan spell at AC Milan last season, having been allowed time off to get married last week. The former Roma man has said recently he expects to start pre-season with the Reds, but it is believed Liverpool would be willing to offload the £17m man for a knock-down fee if possible.