Liverpool have had a €40m (£34m) bid rejected by Atletico Madrid for Saul Niguez, according to reports in the Catalan media

it is believed that the offer fell short of Atletico’s valuation of the player but they are willing to let the Spanish international leave if they receive an acceptable amount.

While Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with Niguez, it appears Liverpool may now face competition from Barcelona for the 26-year-old’s signature.

The La Liga side are looking at a possible straight swap deal, which would see Antoine Griezmann moving in the other direction. Barca are keen to get the Frenchman off the wage bill in order to help them re-sign Lionel Messi.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone would be happy to have Griezmann back but there are question marks over whether the 30-year-old would accept a significantly reduced salary.

Niguez, meanwhile, is said to be open to moving to a number of teams, including Barcelona, so it remains to be seen where the Spaniard will end up this summer.