Report: Barcelona could scupper Liverpool plan to sign Saul Niguez

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Liverpool are facing a couple of issues in their bid to try and sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, with Barcelona one of the problems.

The Reds have emerged as contenders to land the Spanish star in recent days, with reports suggesting a bid had been made.

However, Mundo Deportivo have reported that Liverpool haven’t met the £50m asking price for the Atletico star. And in a further blow to the Reds, it’s claimed in the same report that Barcelona are keen on a swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann.

It’s claimed that Diego Simeone is keen on the idea of seeing Griezmann back in Madrid. His time in Barcelona – like so many – hasn’t quite gone as well as he’d like.

It means Liverpool could now face an uphill task in getting Niguez. The La Liga winner has been one of the standout players for Atletico in recent seasons, but dropped down the pecking order somewhat last term.

Nevertheless, he still played a key role as Atletico won the title.

Tough deal

How Barcelona still find themselves able to attract players is an odd one, given their problems. But they still find themselves in the mix for top players, such as Niguez here.

Liverpool are likely to face these sorts of problems whoever they go for. The fact is, the players they want, are generally of good quality. That inevitably throws other clubs into the mix.

Niguez, who has 19 caps for Spain, would be a fine signing. But with the Reds not willing to pay, and Barcelona in the frame too, any deal now seems more difficult than before.