Liverpool make approach for out of contract Barcelona star

Liverpool finished the season in disappointing fashion on Saturday night, as they were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid in the Champions League final. 

The Reds had been on course for an unprecedented quadruple just a matter of weeks ago, but finished second in the Premier League and have now also ended up as runners up in Europe.

Jurgen Klopp’s side finish the season with two trophies, winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup on penalties after 0-0 draws against Chelsea on both occasions.

There is little time to relax for Klopp and his team, though, and it appears that the German is already planning for next term.

As per Spanish publication Sport, Liverpool have made contact with Ousmane Dembele’s representatives over the possibility of signing the Frenchman.

Th report claims that Dembele, who will be out of contract next month, has emerged as a target for the Reds as they assess replacements for Sadio Mane, who is reportedly keen on leaving the club.

Dembele, 25, cost current club Barcelona more than £100 million in 2017, but his time in Spain has been plagued by injuries and bad form.

Dembele looks likely to leave Barcelona this summer

He was close to leaving the Nou Camp in January, but opted to stay put and fight for his place, against the will of manager Xavi.

His form improved during the latter part of the season though, and the France international registered 11 assists and one goal in his last 15 league matches.

Barcelona’s dismal financial status means that the club are unable to agree to Dembele’s wage demands, and with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea both also linked with the player, they may struggle to keep hold of the winger.

Liverpool are optimistic that they may be able to broker a deal with the Frenchman, though, as they look to replace Mane, who is expected to tell the club of his desire to leave in the coming days.

The Reds reportedly came close to singing Dembele in January, but the reason for the deal falling through is still unknown.