Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool have ‘no chance’ of signing Lionel Messi.
Several elite European clubs are in the hunt for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner after he intimated a desire to leave Barcelona earlier this week.
Manchester City currently appear favourites to land the Argentina captain due to a good relationship with Pep Guardiola during his time at the Nou Camp.
But Klopp has discounted the prospect of the Reds joining the race for Messi, 33, due to the financial demands associated with signing the coveted player.
He said: “It would obviously help Manchester City and make it even more difficult to beat them, which was already very difficult.
“For the Premier League it would be great, 100 per cent, having the best player in the world in the league. The numbers are not for us.
“We don’t have to start thinking about it. No chance, but, good player to be honest!”
“I’m not sure the Premier League needs a boost but it would be a boost, for sure,” Klopp added.
“It would be interesting to see as well. Messi never played in another league, other than Spain. Actually, I would like to see it – but I’m not sure I will.”
Gini Wijnaldum is widely tipped to be one of Barca’s next signings due to new manager Ronald Koeman working with him for the Dutch national team.
The midfielder has entered the final 12 months of his current Anfield deal but Klopp cut short speculation on his future by offering little update on the situation.
“That’s an open contract situation, obviously,” added the Liverpool manager.
“Otherwise, you would know. And that means we don’t talk about that. I never did in press conferences so why should I change that?
“It’s all between us and the player, it’s all good in the moment. All fine. Gini looked very good in pre-season, played a couple of good seasons for us.
“So that’s all I can say about that.”