Liverpool look set to miss out on AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie after he outlined his intentions to remain with the Italian giants for the rest of his career.

What's the story?

The Reds have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old in recent days as talks over a new contract were believed to have reached an impasse.

Italian outlet Sports Mediaset (as reported by the Daily Mirror) claimed Liverpool were prepared to offer Kessie £7m-a-year in an attempt to lure the box-to-box midfielder away from San Siro.

However, hopes of securing the Ivory Coast international's signature appear to be over for the Reds after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed his desire to stay in Italy.

He tweeted: "Franck Kessié: “I want to stay at AC Milan forever. I’m proud of this club and I’m not planning to leave AC Milan, absolutely”, he told Gazzetta dello Sport. He’s in advanced talks to extend his contract."

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

News that the dynamic box-to-box midfielder intends to remain with the Rossoneri for the foreseeable future will surely leave Jurgen Klopp feeling gutted.

The German tactician is thought to be in the market for a new central star this summer following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum, and Kessie would certainly have been up to the task.

Since arriving in Milan back in 2017, the 6 ft gem has established himself as one of the most promising youngsters in the European game.

His powerful and domineering displays have caught the eye of several onlookers, including ex-striker Antonio Cassano, who even compared him to a previous Premier League great.

“I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality, he has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he is intelligent. I’m watching him carefully, against Roma, he was devastating,” he said (via MilanLive).

“He reminds me of the Yaya Touré of the best times. He is a different player, but in terms of impact, he is holding Milan’s midfield alone.”

However, with Kessie appearing to be more than happy with life in Milan, Klopp will be forced to move onto other midfield targets as the search for Wijnaldum's successor continues.

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