Liverpool are prepared to meet AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie’s wage demands if he leaves the Rossoneri on a free transfer next summer, according to reports in Italy.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the Ivorian international over the past couple of months, along with Chelsea and Arsenal, and it is believed that the Merseyside club have promised the midfielder’s agent, George Atangana, that they will give the player a €7m (£6m) a season salary were he to run down his contract.

Whether that happens, it seems unlikely. Milan are already pretty close to matching what Kessie is asking for in terms of a basic wage, having tabled a €6m a year proposal.

It does suspiciously look like the agent may well be using Liverpool’s name in order to get his client an improved contract, and from the looks of things, it is working.

The Reds are undoubtedly looking to replace Georginio Wijnaldum but it doesn’t seem like Kessie will be that player, unless he is available for free next year.