Liverpool in talks to sign 32-year-old FC Barcelona defender

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks about signing France international defender Jeremy Mathieu this summer, according to Le Parisien (via The Sun on Sunday).

The Premier League side, who reached the finals of both the UEFA Europa League and Capital One Cup last term, have been linked with a move for the FC Barcelona centre-half ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 campaign to ease the Reds’ defensive worries.

Liverpool manager Klopp – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The 32-year-old; who has five international caps for his country, but was injured ahead France’s 23-man squad announcement for this summer’s European Championships in his homeland, provided three assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga champions last season.

Mathieu; who arrived at the Camp Nou back in July 2014 following his switch from Spanish rivals Valencia, is wanted by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at Anfield following injuries suffered to fellow defenders Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez, plus the sale of Slovakia international Martin Skrtel to Fenerbahce.

However the report suggests that the versatile Frenchman has also received an offer from Besiktas.