Colombian Defender Cristian Zapata Close to Joining Liverpool

Liverpool FC is close to strengthening its defense in a big way.

Current Udinese Calcio defender Cristian Zapata said Friday that he is close to signing with the Reds. The 24-year-old is considered one of the best defensive players in Serie A in Italy. He spends most of his time as a centre back defender for Udinese.

"I do not know what to say," Zapata told La FM. "I can say that I am very close to Liverpool.

"At the end of the Copa America, we will see what happens with my future."

Zapata also said Liverpool is not the only team in the running for his services. Anfield and Bayern Munich are also courting him.