Report: Brendan Rodgers flies to Italy to hold Miralem Pjanic talks

Liverpool will reportedly go head to head with Manchester United in the summer over a move for Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is said to have flown out to Italy following his side's 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek to hold early talks with the Bosnian international's representatives.

The Daily Star claims that Pjanic, who has become a key part of the Giallorossi set-up since making a move to the club from Lyon in 2011, is seen as the ideal man to replace Los Angeles Galaxy-bound Steven Gerrard ahead of next season.

However, the same report suggests that, while Anfield scouts have been tracking Pjanic for some time, they face competition from rivals United who are also searching for reinforcements in midfield.

Roma teammate Kevin Strootman is still thought to be top of Louis van Gaal's wishlist, although should a move fail to materialise it could be a straight race between the Premier League duo for the signature of the 25-year-old.

Pjanic has scored four goals in 29 appearances for Roma this season, and the Serie A title chasers are rumoured to have slapped a £77m price tag on his head.