Liverpool plotting January move for 'outstanding' £35m midfielder, Barcelona are desperate to sign him

Liverpool are keen on a move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves amid heavy interest from Barcelona, according to reports.

The Reds are on the lookout for improvements to their midfield in January, with Jurgen Klopp's side on a run of poor form.

They are yet to win any of their three games in all competitions in 2023, and Liverpool's lack of physicality and energy in midfield has been criticised by some pundits and Reds supporters.

Klopp has attempted to cool any talk of an imminent arrival this month, stating on Monday (quotes via ESPN): "If the solutions are out there, doable and available, of course we would buy players. But we have an existing squad and it is underperforming but I cannot blame everyone else. I have to take responsibility. That is my first concern.

"We have players, they are just not available. Our squad is not too small. Yes, we have to strengthen, oh yes, but is the right time to do it? I can't see it, because of the situation we are in."

Despite Klopp's comments, Liverpool have been linked with several midfielders over January, including Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat, and hold a long-term interest in Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

Now, reports claim they are keen on signing a Premier League star.

Liverpool interested in Ruben Neves

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona are heavily interested in signing Neves as a replacement for the out-of-contract Sergio Busquets.

Xavi's side have been closely monitoring the player, who signed for Wolves when they were in the Championship in 2017.

A move to Camp Nou would represent a return to Champions League football next season for Neves, who previously captained Porto in the competition.

But Liverpool - who could still feature in Europe's top competition next season - are said to be interested in signing the 25-year-old.

Journalist Ekrem Konur has claimed that Klopp wants a player who can add stability to Liverpool's midfield, and sees Neves, who was described as 'outstanding' by Wolves reporter Tim Spiers, as one of several strong options.

The Portugal star also offers a goalscoring option, with superb set-piece ability and long range shooting. A 37-cap international, the midfielder did not feature in the squad that won Euro 2016, but has played in two major tournaments for his country.