Liverpool Plot £27m Move for Barcelona Forward Alexis Sanchez

Liverpool are preparing to make a £27m offer to acquire the services of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez during the summer transfer window, according to the Metro.

The Chilean international is reportedly also the subject of interest from the Reds' arch rivals, Manchester United. The Old Trafford club's incoming manager Louis van Gaal wants to bolster his attacking line-up as he looks to guide his new club back into the top four in the Premier League next season.

Sanchez was one of Barcelona's best performers last season, scoring 19 times and contributing 10 assists in 34 appearances in La Liga. Currently in action with Chile at the World Cup in Brazil, the 25-year-old produced a scintillating performance in their first Group B fixture against Australia.

The report claims Liverpool scouts were watching Sanchez in action during his national side's opening World Cup fixture. The former Udinese star opened the scoring against the Socceroos in the 12<sup>th minute before setting up an assist for Jorge Valdivia to double Chile's lead en route to a 3-1 victory on Friday.

Barcelona have appointed Luis Enrique as their new manager, who is keen on building a new squad. The former Real Madrid midfielder will consider allowing the South American star to leave Camp Nou if a considerable offer is made.

The La Liga runners-up have already allowed former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas to join Chelsea for a fee believed to be in the region of £30m. Sanchez is not among Enrique's plans for the upcoming campaign.

Recent reports had suggested that United had taken a lead in signing Barcelona's second best scorer of the 2013/14 season. But his purported move to Old Trafford already looks to be in doubt. The Metro states that the Chilean has expressed his desire to play for a club competing in the Champions League next season.

Sanchez is also linked with a return to Italy as reigning Serie A champions Juventus are also said to be plotting a £16.5m move. Tuttosport claims that Antonio Conte's side already have an agreement in place with Sanchez but are unable to complete the move due to Barcelona's asking price of £20m.