Liverpool handed boost over £41m Barcelona ‘wonderkid’

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona youngster Gavi, according to reports.

The Reds have long been linked with a move for the 17-year-old, with Jurgen Klopp understood to be attracted by the midfielder’s potential and relatively low release clause.

Under the terms of his current contract, Gavi can leave the Nou Camp for around £41.8million, but Barcelona are keen to tie down the ‘wonderkid’ to a new contract.

However, El Nacional report that the player and club remain some distance from an agreement - which has opened the door for interested clubs to make their move.

The same report claims that Klopp has asked the Liverpool board to sanction a move for the four-time Spanish international.

Another midfielder linked with a move to Anfield is Yves Bissouma of Brighton, with recent reports claiming the Seagulls have slapped a £50million price tag on the Malian.

That price tag doesn’t appear to have deterred several Premier League clubs, though - with Arsenal and Aston Villa also reported to be long-term admirers of the 25-year-old.

And the Sunday Mirror claim that Newcastle United have emerged as the latest contenders for his signature, with Eddie Howe believing he is ideally suited to the style of play he wishes to implement at St James’s Park.

However, given his asking price and the fact Bissouma will be absent at the African Cup of Nations for the majority of the month, there’s an understanding it could prove a difficult deal to do during the current transfer window.

With only 18 months remaining on his current contract, though, there will undoubtedly be discussions to be had.