Liverpool have tabled a formal offer to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, according to SPORT.
Kessie only joined Barca last summer but has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Spotify Camp Nou after falling down the pecking order.
However, the Ivorian midfield enforcer is not short of potential suitors and has been linked with a return to Serie A, with Inter Milan and Juventus among those interested in his signature.
The Nerazzurri explored a loan transfer with Barca in January, but nothing materialised, with reports claiming the Blaugranas wanted Marcelo Brozovic in a swap deal.
Liverpool have now moved to the front of the queue for Kessie’s signature after tabling a formal €35 million bid, but any potential deal hinges on the former AC Milan star’s decision.
Kessie has always been willing to fight for his place in the Barca squad, but his potential departure would significantly bolster Barca’s economic situation considering he was signed on a free transfer.
The Catalan giants need to offload some players this summer to register others who have already signed new deals and fund their summer recruitment plans.
Kessie is one of those transfer listed, and while Barca have no problems accepting Liverpool’s offer, the 26-year-old must sanction the transfer.
Having missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League, Kessie could be trading a Champions League team for one set to feature in Europe’s second-tier tournament.
However, Liverpool still believe they are capable of attracting some of Europe’s finest players despite lacking the allure of Champions League football.
The Reds have already started their summer recruitment plans, and Kessie could be the second player to arrive at Anfield after Alexis Mac Allister, who has completed his transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion.
James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the month, leaving Liverpool to plug the gaps in midfield and build a competitive team for next season.
