Liverpool are still hopeful of landing Villarreal’s in-demand centre-forward Luciano Vietto, although the player has revealed he wants to sign for Barcelona, according to Sports Mole.
Liverpool have kept the striker on their radar all season and will attempt to complete a deal this summer while Spanish giants Barcelona are under a transfer ban.
The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form in La Liga this season, netting 12 goals within 26 appearances for Villarreal.
His performances on the pitch have attracted the attention of Barcelona scouts and the striker himself admitted “it would be a dream come true” to line up alongside his compatriot Lionel Messi.
“Everybody dreams of being able to play alongside Messi,” he told Spanish newspaper Ole.
“But, genuinely, the transfer speculation is something that I take in my stride. I’m just concentrating on Villarreal.
“I use all of these rumours as motivation to keep pushing myself to improve. I have no doubt that if I keep doing well everything will come in its own time.”
Villarreal will be keen to keep hold of the Argentine meaning Liverpool may have to meet demands as much as £24m to land the player.
Liverpool are currently fifth in the Barclays Premier League having accumulated 54 points, one point ahead of Southampton in sixth.