Liverpool may miss out on signing Piotr Zielinski this summer as Napoli look to hijack the Reds' bid for Udinese's star midfielder.

Express Sport understands Zielinski is one of a number of players Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is seeking to bring in at Anfield.

But after reported talks with Udinese came to nothing last week Napoli believe they can swoop in and complete a deal.

That is according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim officials in Naples are aware of Liverpool's rival interest in the Poland international.

Udinese are thought to want around £10million for the 22-year-old but Liverpool were unwilling to meet those demands.

Napoli are reportedly worried that midfielders Mirko Valdifiori and David Lopez will leave the club this summer and manager Maurizio Sarri is hard at work sourcing replacements.

Zielinski has been on loan at Empoli this season and was pursued by Liverpool back in January, although Klopp eventually resolved to push for a deal at the end of the campaign.

He scored five goals for Empoli this term as the club finished 11th in Serie A, a four-place improvement on the previous season.

Sky Sport Italia claim Zielinski would prefer to stay in Italy and favours a move to Napoli, while German side Borussia Dortmund are also keen on his signature.

Source: Daily Express

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