"Serious talks will begin shortly" for €50m gem and LFC have "have intensified their interest" pending renewal talks

Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their interest in Barcelona star Gavi as his contract standoff with the Catalonians continues.

The Reds may need to sign a new midfielder in the summer and Gavi would be a fantastic fit. The 17-year-old has a bright future ahead of him and is already at the centre of the best of Barcelona's current success.

Since Xavi arrived to take over from Ronald Koeman, his reliance on young stars has seen Barca rejuvenated and restored to life with Pedri and Gavi starring in midfield.

Liverpool's midfield is an entirely different operation compared to Barcelona and while Gavi is going to be a superstar one day, Jurgen Klopp would need to move things around quite significantly to accommodate him.

According to Sport, the Reds have stepped up their interest in the teenager and see him "as a good market opportunity" while PSG are as "attentive as Bayern" but only "if Pochettino continues".

"Serious talks will begin shortly" for Gavi's potential Barcelona contract renewal and "Liverpool have intensified their interest pending renewal negotiations" as they look to keep a close eye on the player's movements.

The Reds are on of several clubs to have "sounded him out". His current contract has a release clause worth €50million (£42m) which Sport declares "a real bargain".

Although they add "Gavi's determination to continue suggests a happy ending" and so any hope of signing the talented Spaniard remain unlikely although that was always fairly obvious in my opinion.

It's a pity as it would be incredible to see a midfielder like Gavi at Liverpool in Klopp's team but the Reds are set to welcome Fabio Carvalho to Anfield in the summer after Fabrizio Romano confirmed negotiations over a deal to sign him are complete.

Liverpool's future is bright with Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordon and now Carvalho added to the mix.

Ben Doak and Trent Kane-Doherty have also been recruited while the trio are yet to be officially confirmed by the club although they will be in due course.