Liverpool dealt Kessie transfer blow as AC Milan star provides update on future

Liverpool have been dealt a transfer blow after AC Milan star Franck Kessie provided an update on his future.

The Reds are scouring the transfer market this summer to find a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who left for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in June.

Kessie has been one of many names linked as a potential new midfield man at Anfield and he is currently starring for the Ivory Coast at the Olympic Games.

Since helping Milan to a third-place finish in Serie A last season, speculation surrounding his future has been rife after scoring 13 goals (11 of them penalties).

Now, Kessie has made up his mind on a move to the Premier League.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport : "I’m proud to have chose Milan and it is not my intention to leave. Indeed, I want to stay forever."

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano also claimed that the Ivorian is in advanced talks to extend his contract at the San Siro.

"When I come back from the Olympics, I’ll fix everything," the dynamic Rossoneri midfielder added.

"I just want Milan. Sporting director Paolo Maldini knows my thoughts.

The ex-Atalanta man also joked: "I want to be the ‘President’ of Milan for life."

The central powerhouse scored the winner in his nation's first match in Japan against Saudi Arabia before impressing in a goalless draw against Brazil in a game that saw two red cards.

At 24, Kessie is one of the three overage players due to the rest of the squad having to be under 24.

An all-action player, his six assists in 2020-21 and capacity to do a bit of everything would've made him an ideal addition to Jurgen Klopp's squad.

Klopp has been experimenting during the Reds' pre-season camp in Austria.

Harvey Elliott has impressed as part of the midfield three.

The 18-year-old spent last term on loan at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

Naby Keita is also hoping to finally make himself a regular starter but with Jordan Henderson returning from injury, it's expected that the Liverpool skipper will slot in alongside Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara.

With one year remaining on his contract in Milan, Kessie had reportedly been offered a £5 million-a-year salary by the Reds.

Other names linked include Florian Neuhaus, Saul Niguez, Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Houssem Aouar.

Liverpool have made one major signing this summer by bringing in RB Leipzig man Ibrahima Konate for £36m.

The Reds begin their top-flight campaign when they visit Norwich City on Saturday, August 14