Palermo midfielder not open to Liverpool move

Palermo’s Josip Ilicic has reportedly turned down a transfer to Liverpool ahead of a proposed move to Fiorentina.

With Adem Ljajic set to stay with Fioretina as well as the signing of Mario Gomez from Bayern Munich, the Viola are amassing a highly competitive side ahead of next season.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool presented a bid to Palermo worth €12 million for the Slovenian’s signature, which was higher than Fiorentina’s €10 million bid that has already been accepted.

However the 25-year-old refused Liverpool’s offer, demonstrating clear aspirations of joining Fiorentina and avoiding Serie B play with the Rosanero.

Ilicic has scored 25 goals in 107 appearances since joining Palermo in the summer of 2010.

Follow Matthew Amalfitano on Twitter: @MattCAmalfitano