Liverpool have been sensationally snubbed by Italian club Udinese over the transfer of Polish winger, Piotr Zielinksi, 22. Napoli have agreed a €11m fee plus add-ons, with their Serie A rivals and the Reds offered an identical amount, expecting to be given permission to talk to the player.
Udinese, aware that Premier League clubs are flush with cash thanks to the new broadcasting deal, expect Liverpool to beat that offer if they want to sign Zielinski and left them stunned by turning down the offer.
The Reds board remain hopeful of a deal being done but are resigned to paying more for the player than other clubs.
The Pole has made it clear he won’t be joining Napoli and wants a move to Anfield. Jurgen Klopp has been a long-time admirer of Zielinski, following his progress whilst he was Borussia Dortmund manager. He has two years remaining on his contract and has decided to see out the remainder of his term rather than move to another Italian club. Liverpool hope that attitude will force the Italian club’s hand.
Zielinksi was a member of the Polish squad which reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 but wasn’t called upon during any of the games.
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