Liverpool officials travel to Barcelona to tie up loan deal for Adama Traore

Officials from Liverpool have travelled to Barcelona to ask for the loan of 19-year-old winger Adama Traore, according to local press. Having made his debut with Barcelona's first team in the 2013-14 season under then manager Tata Martino, Traore was linked with a number of English clubs as his pace would seem to make him a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Catalan-based newspaper Sport reported that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal tried to lure him to Old Trafford last summer, while Everton also considered his signing following the departure of Gerard Deulofeu. Barcelona, however, opted to keep him in their ranks with the hope of the player becoming the latest breakout star from the La Masia academy.

However his future at the club has been under scrutiny in recent times, with a number of players who can also play in his position – including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Pedro – hampering his breakthrough into the first team.

Traore was forced to play in the Barcelona's B team last season, scoring three goals and providing 14 assists in 37 appearances.

However these stats could not stop the side's relegation to Spain's third tier, increasing doubts over his future as it would appear to be a very low level for a player of his quality. It would seem Liverpool are ready to take advantage of this situation to secure his services.

According to Catalan radio sources, officials from Anfield visited Barcelona on 30 July to secure the winger's services on loan ahead of the new season. Brendan Rodgers has been linked with a number of wingers in the aftermath of Raheem Sterling's move to Manchester City, and the Barcelona youngster could be the chosen one.

New Barcelona B manager Gerard Lopez recently said Adama is in his plans for the new campaign, but the player may consider a move to get top-level first team action. Stoke City, Everton, Monaco and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the player in recent weeks.