Liverpool keen on 24-year-old Serie A star who could replace Gini Wijnaldum

Transfer News: Liverpool keeping tabs on Milan ace Franck Kessie

According to Italian publication La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Daily Mail), Liverpool are keeping tabs on AC Milan’s Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie.

The 24-year-old has been a key part of the Rosonneri outfit since joining the club from Atalanta in 2017. He spent two years on loan at San Siro before making the deal permanent in 2019.

He has since made 184 appearances for the club scoring 30 goals and assisting 15. Kessie has just 12 months left on his current deal and could be on the move next year. This has put a number of clubs on alert, including Liverpool.

According to the report, both Kessie and Milan are not on the same page regarding his wages. This has led to negotiations reaching a certain impasse.

Kessie is currently earning roughly around £1.9m per season and Milan would be open to raising the figure to £3.4m to prevent him from leaving. The player’s representatives are however demanding around £5.1m for him to stay at the club. (h/t The Daily Mail)

A central midfielder who can also double up as a defensive midfielder, Kessie would be a good addition to the Liverpool squad. Moreover, his athleticism will be a major boon in his efforts to adapt to the English game.

Liverpool are a player short in midfield following the exit of Georginio Wijnaldum. So far, a replacement has not been brought in and it remains to be seen if a concentrated effort will be made to land Kessie.

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Just 24, Kessie is yet to enter his prime and can be a long-term option for us in midfield. There is no reason why he cannot step up his game under Jurgen Klopp and develop into a dominant midfielder at Anfield.

The midfielder is set to hold showdown talks with Milan next week. While he is not averse to extending his stay, it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached.