Barcelona have reportedly added former midfielder and current Liverpool lynchpin Thiago Alcantara to their list of summer targets.
The 31-year-old has struggled to stay fit since arriving at Anfield from Bayern Munich in 2020 and has been sidelined for the Reds' last 10 games with a hip problem.
When fit, Thiago has proven to be an invaluable member of Jurgen Klopp's team, but he has been restricted to just 14 Premier League starts in the current campaign.
However, the Spain international's contract with the Reds runs out at the end of next season, and it is currently unclear whether the powers-that-be would be willing to sanction an extension.
With Thiago turning 32 next week and already missing 60 games for Liverpool through injury or illness, there is every chance that he could be moved on in 2024 as Liverpool prepare for a significant midfield shake-up.
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Thiago was on the books at Barcelona for eight years between 2005 and 2013, and according to AS, the Blaugrana are now keen on reuniting with their former academy graduate.
The midfielder made a century of senior appearances for Barcelona during his first spell at the club, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists before departing for Bayern Munich.
Thiago collected 12 pieces of silverware in Catalonia - including one Champions League and four La Liga titles - and he would prove to be a relatively low-cost signing for Xavi's cash-strapped side.
The current Blaugrana boss shared a dressing room with Thiago as a player, and the report adds that the 31-year-old's experience and knowledge of La Liga appeal to the Barcelona hierarchy.
Thiago has come up with three goals and six assists in 93 matches for Liverpool over the past two-and-a-half years, but he has set up just one goal in 24 games during an injury-disrupted 2022-23 season.
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The 46-cap Spain international could be back from his hip injury in time for Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal, though, having returned to team training on Thursday afternoon.
Despite Barcelona's interest, Liverpool are already set to wave goodbye to a wealth of midfielders this summer, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Juventus loanee Arthur all poised to leave, so an exit for Thiago is seemingly off the cards for 2023.
Nevertheless, La Blaugrana are understood to be pursuing multiple midfield targets amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Sergio Busquets, who is out of contract in the summer and is reportedly yet to respond to Barca's offer of a renewal.
Thiago's Premier League colleague Ilkay Gundogan has also emerged as a prime target for the Catalan giants, with the Manchester City captain also due to become a free agent in under three months' time.
Barca are believed to be ready to offer Gundogan a two-year contract, but his uncle and agent recently insisted that the 32-year-old's future remains open.
Ben Knapton
