Transfer Rumors: Liverpool FC Could Pursue Barcelona Target – Report

Youri Tielemans of Leicester City looms as a player to watch in the next transfer window. Multiple teams are being linked to the Belgian defender, and the latest one is Liverpool FC.

Former Arsenal FC player Paul Merson recently said he believes that Tielemans is not going to sign a new deal with the Foxes.

“In this day and age, it tells you [Tielemans] isn’t gonna sign (a new contract),” Merson said on Sky Sports after being asked what the 24-year-old's dithering means. “You can’t go a year haggling about should I or should I not. They’ve got their money worth with Tielemans.”

Assuming that the analysis of the 53-year-old is on point, there are multiple teams ready to take Tielemans off the hands of Leicester.

Liverpool is a huge admirer of Tielemans, The Athletic reported. However, the team deemed his £33,038-a-week ($45,395-per-week) salary a little too high.

But if the Belgian officially reveals he wants out of Leicester City, his price tag could plummet. Tielemans' contract won't expire until June 2023.

The Foxes may be forced to listen to offers next summer if they want a good price for his transfer. Leicester City acquired Tielemans in 2019 for £35 million ($48 million).

The 24-year-old could be the perfect addition to the Reds as someone who can provide Jurgen Klopp quality minutes and great energy. He could be a box-to-box operator in the team, a similar scenario to what another rumored suitor, Barcelona FC, has in mind.

It was previously reported that Barca could pursue Tielemans next summer. The Catalan giants reportedly have been keeping tabs on his progress and are in the market for a box-to-box defender.

Further, Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is reportedly also an admirer of Tielemans.

However, both Liverpool and Barcelona will have to closely monitor the situation of the Belgian player considering there are other teams also lurking. These include Manchester United and Real Madrid, teams who have been linked to Tielemans in the past.

Regardless, the Foxes are expected to try and work something out with Tielemans. He remains a vital part of Brendan Rodgers' team and has two years left in his current deal.

According to outlet Walfoot, there are claims that a release clause amounting to £80 million ($110 million) would be set should the new deal be sealed. If this is confirmed, the interest in Tielemans could wane afterward.