Liverpool 'negotiating' with Lille star Soumare but face competition

Liverpool are reportedly still locked in negotiations over a deal for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

The French star is on the radar of some of Europe's elite clubs after an impressive season in Ligue 1.

Talks are said to have been ongoing between Liverpool and Soumare's representatives for some time, though the Merseyside club could miss out on the player altogether.

Spanish publication SPORT report an agreement is still yet to be reached, and Barcelona could now swoop in and land Soumare instead.

Barca are eyeing midfield reinforcements this summer with Ivan Rakitic expected to leave the club, and Arturo Vidal's future uncertain.

The Spanish giants have also identified Toulouse's Ibrahim Sagare as a potential alternative, while Rennes' Eduardo Camaviga is also under consideration.

Real Madrid are also thought to be interested, while Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has previously expressed his admiration for the 21-year-old.

A move for Sagare would be a simpler option for Barca, with the youngster out of contract at the end of next season, so he could be acquired for a reasonable fee.

Liverpool are well stocked in the midfield, but will lose Adam Lallana at the end of the season, and could also offload Xherdan Shaqiri and returning loanee Harry Wilson.

Jurgen Klopp is likely to dip into the market when it reopens having been relatively reserved in the previous two windows.