Liverpool could be set to battle Aston Villa for one of Spain's heroes who lifted the World Cup after defeating Argentina in the final.
Andoni Iraola's transfer chiefs are trying to ensure the Reds' new manager has a squad that can compete next season. The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot after a disappointing fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Young French defender Jeremy Jacquet has officially arrived from Rennes, while the Merseysiders beat Newcastle United to Spanish attacker Victor Munoz. There has been a focus on replacing Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian forward's exit.
Liverpool Now Eyeing Ferran Torres
Ferran Torres reacts during a Spain matchMiguel Vidal Via Reuters
While Liverpool still plot a marquee signing, they seem to be attentive to Ferran Torres' situation at Barcelona. After scoring the winner in Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina, he faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou.
Barca have swooped for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. That has jeopardised Torres' chances of claiming a regular starting berth in Hansi Flick's frontline.
According to French journalist Loic Tanzi (via PSG Report), Liverpool have "expressed an interest" in the 26-year-old. The Reds' interest is thought to raise the player's price tag because Paris Saint-Germain were initially eyeing a low-cost deal for the Catalan star.
Torres played second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski in recent seasons but has proven effective. He managed 21 goals in 49 games across competitions last season, a superb tally for a player often used off the bench.
Aston Villa have also been linked with Torres, as have Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Juventus. Barca value him at around £30 million and he has a year left on his contract.
An Ideal Market Opportunity For The Reds
Andoni Iraola gives a thumbs-up during time in charge at BournemouthREUTERS/Peter Powell
Torres' versatility could be of huge benefit to Iraola as he can play out wide and centrally. He also has Premier League experience, albeit a brief period at Manchester City before becoming a high-profile name at Camp Nou.
The asking price is extremely reasonable for a player who certainly knows where the back of the net is. Replacing Salah is a tough ask, and the Reds will probably splash the cash on a direct replacement, with Bradley Barcola their most admired candidate.
Andoni Iraola looks on during a Bournemouth match in the Premier League Related
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Liverpool have entered the race.
Torres, though, could also arrive and hand Iraola more options in attack, whether that be as a rotational member of his squad or even a starter. But he might not be guaranteed a regular starting berth and Villa's pitch will probably be that he will be one of Unai Emery's main men.