Liverpool could challenge Chelsea for dazzling midfield maestro this summer

The Reds brought in Colombian ace Luis Díaz on deadline day last month, but the side could still arguably do with a fresh injection of dynamism in their midfield.

Now, the club could have found a prime candidate, with reports suggesting they're keen on a move for Barcelona wonderkid Gavi.

Here's everything you need to know about the transfer news:

What's the story?

According to El Nacional, Liverpool are looking to 'take advantage' of Barcelona's financial difficulties, and make a move for their promising midfield talent Gavi - who they rather poetically describe as an ‘Andalusian pearl’.

He is believed to have a release clause of around £42m, and his current deal at the Camp Nou will expire next summer.

As things stand, the club are yet to have any success in getting him to agree to a new contract. It is suggested that the Reds could offer the 17-year-old a significantly more attractive offer than his current side, both in terms of a weekly wage and a hefty signing on fee.

Gavi is central to manager Xavi's plans for the future, but the club may not be able to compete with the kind of money he could earn with a move to the Premier League.

This isn't the first time the Reds have been linked with the Spain international - back in December, the same outlet claimed Liverpool were ready to meet his release clause, and they produced a similar piece a month later.

Why is Gavi in such high demand?

While still a relatively raw talent, there's no questioning the fact that the midfielder's career on a rapidly inclining trajectory.

Blessed with some serious composure on the ball for a player of his age and an innate ability to find himself in exactly the right position to receive a pass, Gavi has the potential to become one of world football's prime midfield talents over the course of the next decade.

He's capable of consistently picking out teammates with precision passes, and has the forward thinking attitude necessary to thrive in any side looking to play attractive football - making him an ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, it would be fair to say.

Who else are interested?

Chelsea also have Gavi on their radar, according to reports last month.

A story from - yep, you've guessed it! - El Nacional said that the Blues had been alerted to the player's situation, and could be tempted by his relatively low release clause.

Big-money summer signing Romelu Lukaku is still the only player that manager Thomas Tuchel has seen join his squad for a fee since being named Chelsea boss in January 2021, and he's likely to pursue some fresh changes at the end of the current campaign as he looks to put his own stamp on the current Champions League holders.

However, it claimed that the Blues had not advanced far with talks, and that Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester City would provide stiff competition for his signature.

Clearly, should Liverpool make a move for Gavi, they certainly won’t be alone in attempting to prise him away from the Camp Nou.