Liverpool Transfer News: Piotr Zielinski Blow Amid Napoli Talk, Latest Rumours

Liverpool reportedly remain some way off completing a deal for Poland international Piotr Zielinski, with Napoli said to be ready to make another bid for the Udinese midfielder. 

That’s according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star) which has stated a deal is not close for the player to move to Merseyside; Napoli are said to be willing to bid £10.8 million as well as full-back Juan Zuniga to bring the 22-year-old to the San Paolo.

As noted by Green, Zielinski has previously rejected the chance to join the Serie A side despite claims from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis that a fee had been agreed.

It had been reported by Ben Smith that Liverpool were close to completing a deal for the player. Here is a look at the type of talent he could bring to Anfield:

The midfielder’s situation looks as though it’s going to be fascinating to follow. The chance for him to work under Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp would surely be appealing, as would playing at Anfield in the Premier League next term. However, the chances of that switch materialising seem to be in doubt.

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Napoli would have seen the talents of Zielinski firsthand in Serie A last season when he impressed on loan at Empoli from Udinese. He’s a cerebral player, capable of creating space, dribbling past opponents and keeping the tempo of a team’s play high with some sharp passing skills.

WhoScored.com rated the Poland international among the best young players in the Italian top flight last term:

With the player away with his national team at the 2016 UEFA European Championship, it seems unlikely there will be clarity on this deal until he returns. What is clear is he’s a player Liverpool are keen on acquiring, and Zielinski himself seems to prefer a move to Merseyside.

Although Udinese may prefer to sell to Napoli with another player potentially involved in the deal, it's unlikely the youngster would have had a change of heart about the transfer so quickly.

Napoli are also reportedly set to rival Liverpool for another midfielder in FC Porto man Hector Herrera, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t Charlie Phillippe of the Daily Express). Here is a look at what he can offer:

It’s suggested in the report that the Italian outfit have already agreed personal terms with Herrera after overtaking Liverpool in the hunt for him. The Mexico international is said to be valued at around £14 million by Porto, a price Napoli are reportedly yet to meet despite their interest.

Liverpool had been linked with the midfielder, who impressed in the Portuguese top flight last season and in the Copa America Centenario this summer. Sport Witness believe links between the Premier League club and the 26-year-old may be geared towards Porto getting a little more money from Napoli:

Herrera is a player who’s long been impressive for Porto and seems to have the capabilities to fit into English football. For the Reds, who will be playing an aggressive style under Klopp next term, he’d be an ideal midfield linchpin.

Napoli would also be an appealing destination. Under manager Maurizio Sarri, they’re a club moving in the right direction and will be competing in the UEFA Champions League next term. That’s not something the Reds could offer Herrera at this juncture, and if there was sincere interest in the player, it’d be a potential stumbling block.