Liverpool face Barcelona competition for 23-year-old Portuguese star

Transfer News: Barcelona and Liverpool interested in Renato Sanches of Lille

According to French outlet Le10Sport (h/t Liverpool Echo), Barcelona have joined the race to sign Liverpool transfer target Renato Sanches.

The Portuguese midfielder impressed last season as his side cruised to the Ligue 1 title under Christophe Galtier. He then took that form to the Euros with Portugal and was one of the standout players.

And now, it seems like two of Europe’s biggest clubs are eyeing a move for him. The 23-year-old is not alien to the concept of representing a top European club, as he played for Bayern Munich as a teenager.

But with his Bundesliga move not working out, the time seems right for him to have another shot at playing for the continent’s big boys, which includes Liverpool and Barcelona.

Barca and LFC could fight for Sanches

The report mentions that whoever wants to buy him would have to pay a premium fee. That is because of the French side’s history of selling their best players for big amounts.

The Catalan club joining the race for Sanches seems a bit odd considering their massive financial crisis at the moment. It is believed that they have to shave off £156million

Nevertheless, the Reds should look to get this deal across the line no matter the competition they face. With the absence of Georginio Wijnaldum from their midfield next season, a new midfielder is probably needed to give Liverpool’s midfield good depth.

More Liverpool News:

• Transfer News: Liverpool lead the race for Atletico Madrid ace Saul Niguez
• Jurgen Klopp blocks Philippe Coutinho return to Liverpool
• Transfer News: Celtic join Bournemouth in pursuing Liverpool defender Ben Davies

Sanches, who has already had some taste of English football with Swansea, can be the man to plug that hole.