Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool ‘ready to meet’ Barcelona star’s £42m price tag as deadline for transfer emerges

Barcelona ace Gavi

Liverpool are willing to pay £42million to sign Spanish teenager Gavi from Barcelona, according to a report.

The central midfielder has made 38 senior appearances so far this campaign. He has featured in the Champions League against Bayern Munich and in the recent 4-0 rout at Real Madrid.

Gavi is only 17 but is already an important part of the Barcelona setup under Xavi. He is a full Spain international too, having picked up six caps under Luis Enrique.

Gavi fits the Barcelona DNA perfectly and looks destined to form a creative midfield partnership with fellow youngster Pedri.

However, his impressive performances have led to rumours of a Premier League move.

Interest from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool stretches back to January. The Reds’ hopes of snatching Gavi from the Nou Camp were then dampened by the announcement of contract renewal talks.

But those discussions are yet to yield a solution, meaning the star’s contract still expires next year.

Liverpool plot impressive Gavi capture

Liverpool Echo provide a pivotal update on Klopp’s transfer hunt, while citing Spanish outlet El Nacional. They claim the Merseyside outfit are ‘ready to meet’ Gavi’s £42m release clause.

Anfield chiefs have told his representatives they will come in with a bid, should the contract talks at Barca falter.

Klopp and his coaches apparently see Gavi as a player well-suited to the Premier League, and in particular Liverpool. His hard-working nature means he would surely fit in well alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.

Spanish midfielder Gavi represents Barcelona

The report claims Liverpool only have until the end of June to agree a deal at this price. After that, Gavi’s new release clause will come into effect – and it will likely be way over £100m.

Gavi could be taken to Liverpool as a delayed replacement for Gini Wijnaldum. He left for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and a true successor is yet to arrive.

One sticking point for Liverpool is Barca’s confidence that Gavi will renew his terms.

During a recent interview, Xavi was asked about the starlet. “I’m optimistic and I see that the player wants to stay,” he said.

“It depends on the club, on him and his representative, who is Ivan de la Pena. I’m not suffering. He deserves to stay and knows that we value him. I hope so.”

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