Liverpool Transfer News: Marko Pjaca Blow, Marek Hamsik Linked in Latest Rumours

Liverpool target Marko Pjaca has reportedly set his sights on Serie A, as AC Milan are his preferred destination. 

According to GianlucaDiMarzio.com (h/t Calciomercato), Liverpool tried to sign the Dinamo Zagreb star, but he believes the Italian top flight is the "most suitable" for his talents. Calciomercato further reported he will cost €25 million after his impressive showings for Croatia at the UEFA European Championship.

The 21-year-old accrued 12 goals and six assists in all competitions last season—form which saw the winger earn a place in his national side's squad in France. Here are some of his highlights:

BeIN Sports' Matteo Bonetti was impressed with him during the group stage, while BT Sports' James Horncastle believed he should have played a bigger role in Croatia's defeat to Portugal:

The youngster possesses excellent technique and dribbling skills, as WhoScored.com noted:

Liverpool have space for a man of his talents in their front four, as one of those spaces has yet to be nailed down by the likes of Adam Lallana or Jordon Ibe.

However, with Pjaca seemingly preferring to go to Italy, the Reds must look elsewhere.

Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik could fit the bill, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t the Liverpool Echo's Joe Rimmer), Liverpool and Bayern Munich are interested in signing him.

Michel Spingler/Associated Press

The Slovakian enjoyed a fine campaign for the Partenopei, as he racked up eight goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Indeed, he consistently produces thanks to his incisive and creative play in the final third.

OptaFranz compared his stats with Wayne Rooney's ahead of England's clash with Slovakia in the group stage:

With his side packing men behind the ball throughout, there wasn't much room for a playmaker in the team, so he spent the game essentially playing as a midfield enforcer—and an effective one at that, per the Times' Rory Smith:

Given how excellent Hamsik has been for Napoli over the years, it's almost inexplicable he's not enjoyed a big-money move elsewhere.

He has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League and is a cut above the majority of the Reds players, but acquiring him will be difficult.

Per Gazzetta (h/t Rimmer), he could cost £38 million, and Bayern's interest doesn't make things any easier—he's far more likely to win trophies and league titles there.

Equally, he's about to enter his 10th season with Napoli, and he may prefer to stay put and seek further success with them.