Liverpool Suffer Setback As Target Marcos Rojo Wants Barcelona Move

Liverpool have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo with news that Barcelona are considering summer bid for the youngster – who has expressed his desire to play at the Camp Nou.

The Argentine international - who joined Lisbon from Spartak Moscow for £3.5m in 2012 - has had a very good season with his club and is expected to shine during the World Cup in Brazil.

Sport claims that the 24-year-old's versatile style of play, either in a central defensive role or as a left-back has attracted Barcelona's interest and he might be part of Luis Enrique's plans to firm up the defence ahead of the next season. Sporting are willing to listen to offers for Rojo's services and are ready to part ways with their player.

Liverpool have reportedly rekindled their interest in signing Rojo this summer as Brendan Rodgers is reported to be considering other alternatives after Liverpool's hope of signing Sevilla's Spanish star Alberto Moreno were dashed.

The Reds were willing to offer £13.5m for Moreno, which is around £6m short of the La Liga outfit's valuation. But the former Swansea manager is unwilling to meet Sevilla's asking price and is believed to be looking elsewhere in his search for a left-back – and Rojo is viewed as a real option to strengthen the Merseyside club's defence.

However, the Argentine has not hidden his desire to play for Barca. And regarding a possible transfer to the Catalan club, he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo: "I am calm and I have the head set on the World Cup.

"Clearly I did the things right last year in Europe and then I will see what my future will be - Obviously I would like to play for Barcelona, but I have spoken nothing about it with Leo."

The youngster performed impressively for Argentina during the South Americans World Cup opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.