Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Piotr Zielinski and Mario Balotelli Rumours

Italian reports suggest Piotr Zielinski is in "continuous contact" with Jurgen Klopp about a move to Liverpool from Udinese as the German attempts to strengthen his squad before the start of the new season.

Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli (h/t Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo) said the player has a preference to join the Reds despite having deals in place to switch to either AC Milan or Napoli.

Italian outlet Calcio Mercato (h/t Walsh) reported if the player doesn't transfer to Merseyside, he will find his way to the San Siro and remain in Serie A.

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Jean-Luca Mascaro of Gianluca Di Marzio (translated by David Amoyal) said Milan were in the driving seat to sign the Pole after Euro 2016, reporting negotiations had "advanced quickly" and "there is a lot of optimism that a deal can be finalised soon," but it now appears working with Klopp is the talented individual's goal.

Here is a video of the midfielder in action:

Given the player's experience despite his youth, Zielinski, 22, would be an ideal acquisition for a Milan side seeking to build for the future—if he cannot find his way to the Premier League:

Mario Balotelli could be on his way out of Anfield to join the gold rush in the Chinese Super League.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera (h/t Liam Corless of the Mirror) reported the Italian flop's representatives are speaking to CSL teams to investigate the possibility of a switch to the burgeoning Asian club league. Klopp is "keen" to sell as soon as possible as Liverpool look to recoup their £16 million outlay for the striker.

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The 25-year-old forward only managed eight starts on loan for Milan last term, scoring once in Serie A, according to WhoScored.com.

Balotelli was a huge risk when former manager Brendan Rodgers signed him, and his lack of application was always going to be an issue in English football.

However, he is still relatively young as a professional, and a less physical league could see him have success once again, with the drop in level aiding his comeback.

Balotelli looked past his best after his most recent failures, but the Italian has undoubted talent and must find a way of channelling his skill set once more.