I'm off to Anfield! Udinese star Zapata shuns City and Arsenal for Liverpool
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:54 AM on 17th June 2011
Liverpool are closing in on the capture of Udinese defender Cristian Zapata after the Colombia international revealed he is on the brink of moving to Anfield.
After missing out on the signing of England Under 21 star Phil Jones to rivals Manchester United, Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has had to move quickly to secure a top defensive target.
Manchester City and Arsenal have both monitored the 24-year-old centre-half, who can also operate at either full-back position, with serious interest while keen German giants Bayern Munich will be left disappointed.
But Zapata, who has two years left to run on his contract with the Serie A side, admitted he in on the verge of joining Liverpool following the forthcoming Copa America in Argentina.
'I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to Liverpool,' Zapata told radio station La FM.
'At the end of the Copa America, we will see what happens with my future.
'I have gained experience, but the time has come for me to make the jump to a big team.'
The deal adds to a busy summer already in the transfer market for Dalglish. The Reds boss has secured the arrival of £16million Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson and is soon to seal the services of France winger Sylvain Marveaux.
The 25-year-old will arrive from Rennes on a five-year deal believed to worth £60,000 a week.
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