Report: AC Milan likely to land Zielinski after Liverpool talks break down

Liverpool is no longer in the race to sign Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski, with AC Milan emerging as the favourite to land the Poland international, according to the Liverpool Echo's Neil Jones.

The Reds have monitored the player's progress for the past few months - notably Zielinski's performances on loan at Empoli. Zielinski admitted in April that the Merseyside outfit had indeed made contact with his entourage, and a £9.5-million offer soon arrived for the 22-year-old.

But Udinese reportedly rejected that bid, as well as a subsequent £11.7-million offer - even though Zielinski had expressed a clear desire to join Liverpool.

Napoli then jumped into the fray, and while its offer was accepted by Udinese, it was the player on this occasion who failed to reach an agreement with the club.

Milan joined the race late, but the San Siro outfit now appears to be Zielinski's next destination.

His agent, Bartolomej Bolek, indicated in a recent interview that his client has already made his decision.

"I met owner (Giampaolo) Pozzo and spoke to Udinese today. We are trying to find the best solution both for the club and the player. We know that many offers reached Udinese for Zielinski. We're talking to Pozzo and the interested clubs," Bolek told La Gazzetta dello Sport, courtesy of Sky Sports.

Zielinski is expected to report back to Udinese's camp by July 23 after playing at Euro 2016.

He tallied five goals and four assists in 35 Serie A appearances last season with Empoli, as the modest Tuscan club finished in the top half of the table.