Stephen El Shaarawy
Stephen El Shaarawy [centre] could end up leaving AC Milan in January. [Reuters]

Liverpool may well end up being disappointed in their pursuit of AC Milan's Stephen El Shaarawy after the forward's agent claimed that his client would be interested in joining Galatasaray in January.

The Italy international was one of the standout performers for Milan last season as his 16 league goals helped the club eventually qualify for the Champions League after a dreadful beginning to the campaign.

Yet despite being a key figure in the side last season he has seemingly fallen out of favour with manager Massimiliano Allegri and has been heavily linked with a move in January.

The 21-year-old is only just returning from injury but it very much appears as though his future could lie away from the San Siro.

Liverpool had been mentioned as suitors but it seems El Shaarawy would prefer a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

His agent Roberto La Florio says that there have been no formal discussions but suggested that his client is flattered to hear that Roberto Mancini is interested in securing his signature.

"Galatasaray are a big club, they play in the Champions League and are very ambitious," La Florio told Radyospor.

"If Galatasaray are interested then obviously we would consider any offers made. It's an honour for a manager like Mancini to be interested in El Shaarawy.

"If our terms are met we would be open to talks. However, for the time being El Shaarway is keen to continue at AC Milan."

Liverpool may well still make an approach for the forward as manager Brendan Rodgers has declared his intention to further strengthen in January and will be keen to add more depth to his front line.

While Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been in sensational form, summer signing Iago Aspas has struggled to find his feet and Rodgers may feel he needs three genuine top class forwards in order to maintain a push for a top four finish.