Liverpool target Serie A defender in £14m deal

Udinese defender Cristian Zapata claims he is prepared to snub Arsenal and Manchester City to join Liverpool.

The Colombia centre-back says he is close to agreeing a move to Anfield and will complete his switch after this summer's Copa America tournament.

The Reds have turned to Zapata - who can play anywhere along the back four - after losing out to Manchester United in the race for their top target, Blackburn's Phil Jones.

Liverpool have yet to agree a fee with Udinese and the Serie A side will want at least £14million for Zapata, who has two years left on his contract.

The 24-year-old, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich, is in South America preparing for next month's Copa America in Argentina.

He says he is excited by the prospect of joining Liverpool.

"I don't know what to say," he said. "What I can say is that I am very close to Liverpool.

"At the end of the Copa America, we will see what happens with my future.

"I have gained experience, but the time has come for me to make the jump to a big team."

Source: Daily Mirror

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