Champions League winners Liverpool reportedly had a bid for France international defender Philippe Mexes turned down by Roma last week.
The Premiership side are desperate to sign a centre-back, and turned their attentions to the 23-year-old former Auxerre star after being warned off Marseille's Abdoulaye Méïté.
French daily L'Equipe claim that Rafael Benitez's side wanted to bring Mexes to Anfield on a year's loan with an option to buy, only for Roma boss Luciano Spalletti to make it clear he is counting on the Frenchman this season.
The capital club are unlikely to change their mind before the transfer deadline after allowing fellow centre-back Matteo Ferrari to join Everton on Friday.
Mexes is currently sidelined with an injury that kept him out of the Giallorossi's 3-0 win over Reggina at the weekend.