Barcelona interested in Liverpool player Klopp dubbed "one of the best midfielders" he's ever seen

Barcelona are interested in signing a Liverpool star that Jurgen Klopp once called "one of the best midfielders" he has seen, according to reports.

The Spanish giants are currently facing turmoil in European competition, with a second consecutive Champions League group stage exit looking likely. But they are flying high in La Liga, with 22 points from eight games putting them joint-top alongside Real Madrid.

Xavi's side made several major transfers in the summer, including the signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich. The Polish striker has nine goals in La Liga so far this season.

Andreas Christensen also arrived from Chelsea on a free transfer, whilst the club shelled out an initial fee of €58 million to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.

The club also strengthened in midfield, with Franck Kessie joining from AC Milan on another free transfer. In addition, Barca technically 're-signed' Ousmane Dembele, whose contract expired on June 30 before Les Cules renewed it on July 14.

Reports suggest Barca are still pressing ahead with further business in the upcoming windows. And they have a keen eye on one Liverpool midfielder.

Barcelona targeting Liverpool midfielder praised by Klopp

Spanish outlet SPORT are claiming that Barcelona's upcoming transfer focus will be to 'invest little money' in the next season, with their priority positions currently at right-back and midfield.

Barca brought in Hector Bellerin on a free transfer from Arsenal on deadline day in August, but the report adds that Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot is on their wishlist.

For the midfield position, the club are reportedly looking at a number of high-profile options, including Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Leicester's Youri Tielemans.

But it is also claimed that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is in the club's 'orbit'.

The Guinea international has struggled with injury problems throughout his time with the Reds, since joining from RB Leipzig in 2016.

A six-minute cameo in the Community Shield in July represents his only first-team action this season. However, when he is fit and available, his quality is undeniable.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this year, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp gave Keita a lofty compliment. He said: "Naby, I would say, is one of the best midfielders I ever saw."

Liverpool fans will hope Keita can return to full fitness and rediscover top form at Anfield. But Barcelona are seemingly keen to prize him away once his current deal expires in June 2023 - even though, as per Football Insider, his current club have opened talks over a new contract.