Liverpool’s plans to sign a striker have reportedly been thwarted by Kim Jong-un.
Han Kwang-song emerged as a target for the Reds after impressing during a season-long spell with Perugia, on loan from fellow Serie A outfit Cagliari.
Juventus also retain an interest in the forward and saw attempts to land him in the January transfer window fail to materialise despite talks taking place.
But reports in Italy claim that the 19-year-old is still set for a move to Turn rather than Anfield due to the intervention of North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the leader of Han’s homeland is keen on his compatriot moving to the Serie A champions due to his links with the country.
Kim Jong-un has well documented links with Italian politician Antonio Razzi and is understood to favour Han remaining in the country’s league should he move.
“Kim is a huge football fan. When he was studying in Switzerland, he used to go to the San Siro to watch AC Milan and Inter,” said Razzi.
“Han to Juventus would be something extraordinary. He would be a perfect testimonial for pace in North Korea.
“Thanks to this guy, Cagliari and Sardegna are well known in North Korea now and if the player join Juve, the club will be even more followed in the country.”