Liverpool are preparing to go head-to-head with Barcelona to sign Riyad Mahrez.
Mahrez has struggled to replicate the form which saw him crowned PFA Player of the Year last season as Leicester City’s Premier League title defence fell flat.
But the Algeria international is continuing to attract interest from a host of European clubs, with reports in Spain claiming the Reds are also in the hunt.
According to Sport newspaper, Jurgen Klopp is preparing to derail Barca’s plans to land Mahrez despite Nou Camp officials maintaining contact with the player.
Juventus are also said to be preparing to rival Liverpool and both clubs have also made approaches to the 26-year-old, who has scored five goals this term.
Although Barca remain favourites to land Mahrez, Leicester’s aim to recoup a premium fee for the winger threatens to see them priced out of the running.
The Foxes are understood to be holding out for between £25 million and £34m, which would exceed the valuation that the Catalan giants are prepared to pay.