Liverpool have been dealt a blow in the race for Renato Sanches with the midfielder eager on moving to FC Barcelona.
According to L’Equipe, LOSC Lille are open to selling the 23-year-old midfielder this summer for €35m (£30m).
Liverpool, along with Barcelona, Bayer Munich and Arsenal, are all keen on the Portugal international. However, Sanches ‘dreams’ of a move to the Catalan side.
As per the report, however, a move to the European giants would be extremely difficult to conduct this summer.
Barcelona’s financial problems have been well documented. Last season’s third-place La Liga side need to cut €200m off their wage bill. Indeed, the club are currently unable to register the players they have signed this summer, let alone make bids for new players.
With Lille also desperate for cash this window, a move to the Premier League or a return to Germany seem the most likely outcomes for Sanches this summer.
Liverpool would suit Sanches to a tee
The midfielder was key to Les Dogues winning Ligue 1 last campaign. And Liverpool could be the ideal destination for the former Benfica star.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen to sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, and Sanches age, qualities and potential make him the perfect candidate this window.
The Portugal international has proved over the past 12 months that he is a sensational midfielder, able to storm through the midfield with power and grace. Sanches’ ability to distribute play from deep also makes him ideal for a team that like to retain possession.
Under a coach like Klopp, Sanches could develop more to his game which could make the Lille star one of the top midfielders in Europe.
And alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in the centre of the park, the Reds could have one of the most balanced midfield threes in England.
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