Liverpool Transfer News: Suso to Join Milan, Julian Brandt to Spark Chelsea War

AC Milan look to have finally got their man, with Liverpool attacker Suso reportedly all but set to sign for the Serie A giants.

The 20-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a move to the Rossoneri for some time now, per Football Italia, but it now seems a matter of when—rather than if—he will make the switch from Anfield.

According to David Amoyal on GianlucaDiMarzio.com, a deal has been agreed between the two clubs, but it is not yet known whether Milan will pay a small fee to get him in January or wait to take him for free next summer:

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The Spanish prospect, born in 1993, has reached an agreement with Milan on a four-year deal with an annual salary of around €1.5 million net. It still needs to be determined if Liverpool will let him leave for Italy in January in exchange for a small financial package or if he’ll join the Rossoneri on a free transfer in June. The two clubs will discuss it, since Milan will make an attempt to bring him to Italy sooner.

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It looks to be a good move for all concerned; Suso is clearly a talented attacking player but is unlikely to be able to to break into the Liverpool first team, considering the presence of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Philippe Coutinho.

He has shown great potential, particularly when he broke into the Liverpool senior setup in 2012 and on loan at Almeria last season, per StatsBomb's Ted Knutson:

However, without proper game time, he will not make significant advances. He has all the attributes to thrive in Milan, if he is given the opportunity—as he was at Almeria, where he made 33 La Liga appearances, scoring three goals and assisting seven, per WhoScored.com.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers continues to be on the lookout for young talent and has reportedly eyed Bayer Leverkusen's Julian Brandt as a key target, having recently seen the 18-year-old play.

However, according to Darren Witcoop in the Mirror, Chelsea have also had scouts watching the youngster and are prepared to battle it out with Liverpool for Brandt's signature.

The quick-footed German midfielder does indeed look like a strong prospect, and he has made two substitute appearances—scoring one goal—for Bundesliga-topping Leverkusen so far this season.

While a move to a top European club is no doubt in the offing if he makes good on his potential, it would be a shame to see him leave Leverkusen for either Chelsea or Liverpool in the near future.

As with Suso, Brandt needs to see competitive action if he is to make advances in his career, a much more likely prospect if he stays in North Rhine-Westphalia—at least for the time being.