AC Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara will raise the prospect of a swap deal involving Thiago and Franck Kessie with Liverpool when the two sides meet at Anfield next Wednesday, according to Il Milanista.

The Italian website claims that the Rossoneri are desperate to ensure that Kessie doesn’t leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer, and they are hoping that Liverpool will be open to a player exchange in January.

Kessie has been linked with the Reds, as well as Chelsea and Tottenham, in recent weeks, and it is believed that Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen on snapping up the Ivorian as they seek to provide competition for Fabinho.

However, it would be a shock if they were prepared to let Thiago leave for Italy, especially as they paid £25m for the Spanish international just over a year ago.

At 24 years of age, Kessie would certainly fit the profile that Liverpool would be looking for in a midfielder, but the fact that they could simply sign him for free in June would make any swap deal for Thiago unattractive.