Italian left back Andrea Dossena is set to become Rafa Benitez’s second signing of the summer, with Udinese coach Pasquale Marino confirming talks are progressing well between the two clubs.

Dossena, 26, is an attacking left back who has been impressive for Udinese last season, winning his first cap for Italy in November. He hasn’t been included in their squad for Euro 2008 though.

Marino told Italian radio “I think that a deal with Liverpool for Dossena is on the way. Everything is going smoothly. The requirements are in place and the player has given his consent because he wants to test himself at an important club after the season he has had.”

“Our director general was in England partly because of that just two days ago.”

Supporters in the forums who have seen Dossena play have described by saying the following “Dossena will run for 90 mins. He´s a good defender with great crosses.”

Most encouraginly, one forum member writes:

Hi, I’m from Italy and I know very well Dossena. He’s one of the best left back in the Italian Championship with Vargas (Catania), Chivu (Inter) and Chiellini (who played last season as central defender).
In the Udinese 3-4-3 he plays at midfield, as winger, but he can play as left back in a 4-men defense as well.
If you need some stats: 2 goals and 3 assists on last season.
He played his first match in the National Team on October 2007 with a good assist for the goal of Cristiano Lucarelli, but he won’t go to the European Championship. The italian coach will bring Grosso (Lyon), Zambrotta (Barca), Panucci (Roma), Chiellini (Juventus) and maybe Oddo (Milan). He’s the better full back out of this list, and at the moment I think it’s even better than Oddo or Panucci (Right backs).
I think overall he would be a good deal for Liverpool, even if you shouldn’t think he’s the kind of player that can rise the quality of Liverpool’s defense from good to excellent.

Incredibly, one Youtube clip of Dossena shows him assisting a goal with a clever chip with his right foot, when was the last time we had a left back who used their right foot? Certainly not Riise or Aurelio that’s for sure!

With Dossena and right back Philipp Degen now tied up, Liverpool’s defence is looking strong, with a luxury of four quality centre backs also at Benitez’s disposal in the shape of Carragher, Agger, Skrtel and Hyypia. Arbeloa and Aurelio are expected to compete for the right and left back spots, while Riise and Finnan are both likely to leave.