Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Piotr Zielinski and Marko Pjaca Rumours

Liverpool have reportedly given up in their pursuit of Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski, with the Poland international said to be close to signing for AC Milan.

That’s according to Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo, who has reported the Reds have "admitted defeat" in their drawn-out quest to sign the player. As noted in the piece, Udinese rejected an offer from Liverpool for Zielinski but accepted one from Napoli; the player was keen to join the Premier League club, though.

Now the situation has altered. "Liverpool believed their offer was more favourable to Udinese than Napoli's, due to the structure of the deal and the presence of a sell-on clause," continued Jones. "Milan's interest then emerged, and with Liverpool resigned to missing out on their target, it now looks certain that Zielinski will move to San Siro."

The 22-year-old was on loan at Empoli last season and impressed plenty with some mature performances in the middle of the park. Here is a look at why manager Jurgen Klopp was reportedly keen to get him in:

Zielinski is a prospect. The Udinese man has brilliant close control and loves to commit opponents in the middle of the park, meaning he can convert defence into attack quickly. That’s a key trait in Klopp’s style of football.

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It seems as though the player was keen to make the switch to Merseyside, too, and you could see him thriving in the long term under the German's guidance. As noted by former United States international Janusz Michallik, Zielinski still has a lot of developing to do:

Liverpool supporters may be delighted that this transfer saga is coming to a close, but there will be disappointment that Zielinski will not be joining.

It’ll be fascinating to see what Klopp does with the team’s midfield now. According to Jones, the Liverpool manager is looking at alternatives to Zielinski, but a move for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Mahmoud Dahoud is said to be "unlikely."

Liverpool Still in for Marko Pjaca

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According to Calciomercato (h/t Joel Watson of the Daily Star), Liverpool haven’t given up hope of signing Marko Pjaca yet, despite strong links to Juventus.

The Italian champions are said to be close to agreeing a deal for the Dinamo Zagreb winger, who has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in European football. But it’s claimed that with Zielinski looking unlikely to move to Anfield, Liverpool may try to hijack Juve’s offer.

Pjaca has been impressive with his dazzling displays on the flanks for Zagreb. Here is a look at why there’s so much excitement when it comes to the 21-year-old:

Liverpool have recently moved Jordon Ibe on to Bournemouth, meaning Sadio Mane is the only player who can provide a thrust from the wide positions in Klopp’s squad. That willingness to drive at opponents with intent is something Pjaca possesses, and as such, it would be no surprise to see the Reds in the hunt for his signature.

As noted by OptaPaolo, Pjaca impressed with his direct playing style for Croatia at the UEFA European Championship:

Pjaca will want to join a club where he can continue to get regular minutes, and as aforementioned, he could be one of only a couple of options to give Liverpool an edge on the wing. Under Klopp, you can bet a player of his style would be used a lot.

Juventus are a little short of quality in this area, too, though, plus they’ll be able to offer Pjaca the prospect of an immediate challenge for the biggest honours. That'll likely prove to be a major stumbling block in the Reds' last-ditch attempt to land him.