Liverpool and Man City considering swoop for Inter Milan defender

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Inter Milan full-back Cristian Chivu - but they may face competition from Manchester City, according to reports in Italy.

The Romania international is out of contract at the Serie A side in the summer and is yet to discuss a new deal with the club, who are currently 17th in the table.

As a result, Chivu has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe and now Liverpool and City are reportedly monitoring his situation.

The 31-year-old, well known for wearing a protective helmet during games following a fractured skull, has been one of Serie
A's stars since he joined Roma in 2003.

He became a mainstay of the Inter defence following his £14m move in 2007 but it has been suggested that Chivu is now ready for a fresh challenge.

And he could be handed a shot at the Premier League, with Liverpool and City considering a cut-price deal.