Roma are confident of signing Liverpool defender Glen Johnson in January

OUT: The Liverpool defender's Anfield contract runs out in the summer

Roma are confident of signing Glen Johnson in January.

The Liverpool defender's Anfield contract runs out in the summer and he is free to discuss a Bosman move with foreign clubs in the new year.

Roma have not been impressed with Ashley Cole, 33, since his arrival from Chelsea but think Johnson has more to offer at 30.

Liverpool have been reluctant to improve Johnson's contract as he is already on around £120,000 a week. Roma are happy to pay the wages on Bosman transfers and like Johnson's versatility.

They are monitoring striker Wilfried Bony at Swansea, who is yet to agree to a new deal.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has been hailed as Liverpool's greatest player EVER. Ex-Anfield striker John Aldridge reckons the Reds skipper just pips Kenny Dalglish.

Gerrard, 34, inspired Liverpool's Champions League Final comeback against AC Milan to snare the club's fifth European title in 2005.

Boyhood fan Aldridge, 56, said: "I loved Roger Hunt in the 60s, Kevin Keegan in the 70s, Kenny Dalglish in the 80s and players like John Barnes and Robbie Fowler in the 90s.

"But King Kenny and the rest played with ten world-class internationals. Steve has played with some players who wouldn't have even got into our reserve side in the past."