Liverpool target joins Villarreal

Colombian defender Cristian Zapata has joined Villarreal from Udinese, the Italian club have confirmed.

The highly rated defender, who is taking part at Copa America with Colombia, recently expressed his desire to join Liverpool, but appears to have had a change of heart.

After a careful consideration the Colombia international decided to accept an offer from Villarreal, with Udinese confirming the transfer has been completed on their official website.

The cost of the transfer and the length of the contract the player signed with El Madrigal outfit have not been disclosed.

Zapata had joined Udinese from Deportivo Cali in 2005 and has since featured in 190 games for the Zebrette.

However, the 25-year-old decided to look for a new challenge this summer and has now made a switch to Villarreal.