"Talks will..": Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, it's bad news for Liverpool - opinion

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Gavi, but now there has been an update from a reliable source which will come as a big blow to the club’s plans to secure his signing this summer

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared the news that Barcelona have tabled a new contract offer for their teenage sensation.

The transfer insider tweeted: “Pablo Gavi’s agent Iván de la Peña has finally received new contract official proposal from Barcelona, after long standby – confirmed as reported by

@moillorens”

“Talks will enter into key stages in the coming days after optimistic feelings in the last meeting.”

The news that the La Liga giants have now offered a new contract to Gavi will be a huge blow for Liverpool, who are looking to bolster their midfield this summer, with the 17-year-old reportedly identified as a favoured target.

Gavi has been an absolute sensation this season at Barcelona, scoring two goals, delivering five assists and creating eight chances in 34 league appearances, along with making 1.1 tackles and 51.4 touches per game and successfully completing 62% of his dribbles.

The youngster has been attracting attention and earning high praise from his manager Xavi, with the Barcelona boss hailing the teenager as “spectacular” as he said: “More than anything his work is spectacular. We’re happy to have him and I don’t want to compare him to anyone. There’s no ceiling for him.”

Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfield targets including Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham, so it is clear that they are interested in adding younger alternatives in the middle of the park, with Thiago, Jordan Henderson and James Milner all into their 30s at this point.

Signing Gavi would have effectively