Liverpool Face Competition From Valencia To Sign Barcelona Winger - Report

Spanish side Valencia have reportedly joined the race to sign Barcelona winger Cristian Tello, despite reports last week claiming the youngster was on the brink of signing on loan for Liverpool.

Tello is frustrated about his situation at Barcelona, where he has started just two La Liga games this campaign and is set to leave the club this window.

Liverpool have been widely touted as his next destination but recent reports in Spain claim that Valencia are now ready to battle Brendan Rodgers´ side to secure Tello's services.

Spanish newspaper Super Deporte reports that Peter Lim, the businessman who is poised to take over Valencia, is willing to spend big in the transfer window and he wants Tello to become his first signing.

Super Deporte claims that Barcelona do not want him to leave the Nou Camp but the player´s agent will meet soon with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta to inform him of his client's desire and convince the club to send him on loan.

The 22-year-old was linked with Liverpool during the summer transfer window and even received an offer from the Merseyside club before eventually opting to stay at the Nou Camp, signing a contract extension until 2016.

However, Tello has struggled for game time under new boss Gerardo Martino and he even recently admitted his frustration about his lack of minutes, opening the door to a possible January exit.

"If I do not play as much as I would like, I will think about leaving. To take that step will be pretty difficult, but I believe each person must evaluate their own role. As the years pass by you want your role to change and to have more minutes," Tello said.

Last week Brendan Rodgers denied having done a deal with Tello, but he claimed he is set to make some additions during this window.

The Liverpool manager's admiration for Spanish players is well-known following the signings of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto last summer.

"The owners have invested millions upon millions into the team and every window we arrive in looking to improve where we can. This window will be no different." Rodgers claimed.