Liverpool 'end interest' in Barcelona's Gavi leaving Klopp with familiar problem

Liverpool have been forced to give up on their pursuit for Barcelona star Gavi, reports suggest.

The Reds were looking to bolster their midfield this summer to fill the void that is set to be left by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is nearing the exit door. This could pose a familiar problem to Jurgen Klopp after the club failed to replace Georginio Wijnaldum's departure to Paris Saint-Germain last year.

Gavi, 17, is set to began discussions with Barca next week over fresh terms after several days of delay. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the midfielder and his agent have already agreed on a formal contract but the rest should be finalised "in the coming days."

The Reds were reportedly aware that the teenager's priority was to renew his contract at Camp Nou, but were willing to pay out his release clause of £42million (€50m) in order to bring him to Anfield. Upon the renew of his contract, his release clause is set to rise to £860m (€1bn), the same as his senior team mates who have recently agreed to fresh terms, including Pedri, Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres.

The report also states that Gavi's representatives have had the proposal to renew his contract for some time. "His representative has had the renewal offer on the table for a long time. We have no news that he has accepted it," Barca president Joan Laporta recently said.

Asked if the club was concerned about not accepting the offer yet, Laporta replied: "Yes, because we don't understand. He's a player we all like, he is 17 years old, has a present and a great future at Barca, and we do not understand why his representative is playing and comparing. I think the club's proposal, within our salary levels, is more than acceptable."

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Barca boss Xabi also highlighted the importance of the youth prospects in Gavi and Araujo amid transfer links. "They are very important. The club cannot allow either of them to leave.

"They are transcendent footballers. I think their renewals are a matter of time. I want to think that the two of them will stay and reach an agreement with the club. I'm optimistic."

However, as a result, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to Leeds' Kalvin Phillips who is tied at Elland Road until 2024. Direct rivals Manchester City are also ready to battle for the 26-year-old's signature, however. The Citizens are looking to replace the imminent departure from Fernandinho upon the expiration of hiscontract this summer.