Liverpool are eyeing a £7 million transfer move for Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello, according to a report in the Metro.

The 20-year-old forward/winger is considered one of Barcelona’s best rising stars but contract negotiations between the player and the Catalan giants have stalled recently over his salary demands. New boss Tito Vilanova has warned Tello that despite breaking into the first team on several occasions last year, he is still considered a part of the B-squad and they are reluctant to hand over significantly improved terms on his contract that expires in 12 months time.

This has alerted Liverpool’s new manager Brendan Rodgers who is an admirer of Tello and might be able to convince Barca to let him leave the Nou Camp to recoup a fee, rather than losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Spanish newspaper Sport believes there is little hope of Tello agreeing a new deal with Barcelona before he has represented Spain at this summer’s Olympics, where Liverpool will have scouts at the venues watching the player perform.

Barca’s domestic rivals Atletico Madrid are also closely following the situation and may be prepared to challenge Liverpool for his signature.

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