Liverpool have joined Roma in the hunt for Brazilian ace Cicinho, according to reports in Spain.

The Brazilian full-back appears to have been pushed down the pecking order at Real Madrid under new coach Bernd Schuster.

Michel Salgado and Sergio Ramos have been used on the right during most of Real's pre-season to date, and Cicinho realises he could be due for a season of bench-warming if he stays at the Bernabeu.

Roma first showed an interest last month but have yet to strike a deal for the 27-year-old and Liverpool have now apparently been alerted, with claims that Rafael Benitez has already made a move.

The Anfield boss wants competition on his right side and after seemingly cooling his interest in Sevilla's Daniel Alves, Cicinho appears to be an attractive alternative.

Roma were believed to be looking into a possible loan, but it seems the Reds could bid £6.8million (€10m). However Cicinho is reported to have told Real that he would rather move to Italy than England.