Cristian Tello
Reuters

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotpsur have been alerted after Barcelona forward Cristian Tello opened the door for a move away from Camp Nou in search of first-team opportunities.

Tello was linked with a move to the Merseyside club in the summer after the Reds showed interest in bringing him to Anfield, while Spurs have also maintained their interest in the Spaniard. The two English clubs have still maintained their interest in the player.

However, the deal did not take shape as the forward signed a contract extension with the Spanish champions, which will keep him at Barcelona till 2018. Tello has a €25m buyout clause in his contract and confirmed Liverpool's interest in his services.

The 22-year-old made 22 league appearances, which includes 12 starts under Tito Vilanova last term. However, the Spaniard failed to feature regularly under Gerardo Martino, making only two starts in the La Liga this season.

The forward's lack of playing time under Barcelona's new manager has left him frustrated on the bench as Tello is considering his future with the La Liga winners.

"You wait and see how the season goes and if by the end do not play what I want, I will raise out. Taking that step will be quite difficult but I think we appreciate the role of each. As the years pass you want the role change and have more minutes," Tello told Mundo Deportivo.

Liverpool are with the services of their star striker Daniel Sturridge as the England international is likely to be out of action for the next eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury during the training session.

The absence of the former Chelsea man has seen Brendan Rodgers' side suffer their first ever defeat to Hull City at the KC Stadium. The Northern Irishman admitted that his side made too many errors against the Tigers and his side lack depth in the squad.

Liverpool could face competition from Andre Villas-Boas' side as the Portuguese boss is looking to strengthen his side's strike force in January. The north London club have endured a poor goal scoring record in the league, with 11 goals from 13 matches.

AVB could rekindle his side's interest in signing Tello while Liverpool are likely to make another bid for the Spaniard in January in fill Sturridge's place in the starting lineup. However, interested clubs should meet the forward's €25m release clause.

London