Juventus are stepping up their bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Italians were keen to sign the Spain Euro 2008 winner last summer, but were not prepared to meet his £16million valuation. However, he is back in their sights.

Juventus have set about re-modelling their midfield, signing Brazil playmaker Diego from Werder Bremen for £21million.

And now they are considering moves for Alonso, 27, Roma's Chile international David Pizarro, and highly rated young Udinese midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

Alonso would be the most expensive option of the three and Juventus are likely to face competition from Real Madrid if Liverpool indicate they are willing to sell.