Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa are interested in signing Ghana midfielder Ahmed Barusso.

The bulky player, who is owned by Italian giants AS Roma, spent last season on loan at Serie B side Livorno.

The Haifa-based side have increased their initial 350,000 Euros bid to 400,000 Euros.

The club's head coach Elisha Levy wants to add the powerful midfield player to his team for this season's Uefa Champions League and league title defence.

Barusso has played on loan at five different clubs since signing for Roma in 2007.