Udinese star set to snub Arsenal for Liverpool

Udinese defender Christian Zapata has been linked with a move to Liverpool, according to Mirror Football.

The 24-year old has been at Udinese since 2005 and played for the club 127 times but is attracting interest from several of Europe’s top clubs.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are all rumoured to be tracking the £14 million-rated Colombian but Liverpool appear to be leading the race for the versatile defender.

Zapata is currently with Colombia, for whom he has won 17 caps, where he is preparing for the Copa America and any deal will have to wait until after the tournament.

The 6ft 2in defender would be the second big-money signing at Anfield after the arrival of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland with plenty more signings expected during the transfer window.

Manager Kenny Dalglish and Director of Football Damien Comolli have been given the financial backing of new owners Fenway Sports Group. The owners are keen on younger players with potential resale value and Zapata certainly fits the bill.

The club are also in need of cover at left-back with the futures of Fabio Aurelio and Emiliano Insua yet to be decided. Paul Konchesky’s days at Anfield appear to be numbered having failed to lived up to expectations and spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship club Nottingham Forest.