Liverpool Transfer News: Piotr Zielinski, Dennis Praet, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool will reportedly complete the signing of Udinese star Piotr Zielinski this Wednesday as they begin their summer recruitment, while Fiorentina have quietened speculation tying them to Anderlecht maestro Dennis Praet.

According to Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy, the Reds are close to finalising Zielinski's transfer after it was reported they had submitted an offer of £12 million (h/t Daily Star's Alex Harris).

Zielinski has impressed on loan with Empoli over the past two seasons and was pictured by European broadcaster Canal+ wearing Liverpool colours in May, per Metro's George Bellshaw.

Football writer Dave O'Connell provided a look at the images in question:

The natural reaction would be to believe Zielinski is aware of the rumours tying him with a move to Anfield, and his response is an apparent come-and-get-me plea for Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

David Amoyal of Gianluca Di Marzio's website recently provided quotes from the Poland international, who has admitted his admiration for the Liverpool chief:

Zielinski is set to return to Udinese this summer after seeing his two-season loan at Empoli come to an end, but with the Zebrette finishing 17th in Serie A this season, Merseyside looks a far more enticing option.

Empoli sporting director Marcello Carli recently fuelled rumours of an Italian departure after informing Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium Zielnski wouldn't remain with the club (h/t CalcioMercato): "[Leandro] Paredes and Zielinski are only on-loan so they will definitely be leaving."

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

The attacking midfielder scored five goals and recorded six assists in 35 games for Empoli this season as they made a surprising run to 10th place in the Italian top flight.

Meanwhile, another Serie A outfit, Fiorentina, have given Liverpool hope in the hunt for Praet after general manager Andrea Rogg told Mediaset Premium rumours tying La Viola with the player are just that.

Per CalcioMercato, he said: “We have heard about Praet from the papers, and, honestly, only there. We are already working to reinforce the team, and now that we know that our coach will stay, we can plan the next season.”

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The Anderlecht playmaker has long been linked with a move to one of Europe's top leagues, and Liverpool are reportedly one of the Premier League giants said to be in the running for his services this summer.

Praet has made nine assists and scored four goals in 44 outings this season, but his Anderlecht contract expires next summer, meaning the Belgium outfit may consider cashing in.

The club recently celebrated their star's 22nd birthday with a compilation of some of his best bits:

It's also reported Liverpool are keeping tabs on Leeds United full-back Charlie Taylor as they seek to improve their options on the left side of defence this summer, per Football Insider's Alex Stevens.

Klopp has utilised Alberto Moreno as his left-back of choice this term, but with Jose Enrique departing Anfield, there will be room for competition alongside the Spaniard, as well as Joe Gomez and Jon Flanagan.