Barcelona have jumped ahead of Liverpool in the race for Atletico Madrid attacker Saul Niguez.

Mundo Deportivo says Liverpool have seen a €40m bid rejected by Atletico Madrid for Saul.

News of Liverpool's interest in the midfielder emerged earlier last week, with Jurgen Klopp still searching for a Gini Wijnaldum replacement.

The opening bid was rejected but did suggest that the player had 'half a foot in Liverpool', only for Barcelona to enter the picture.

They add that the Blaugrana have made an offer which appeals to both club and manager Diego Simeone.

There is also the idea that Antoine Griezmann could be used as a potential makeweight with Barca keen to get the Frenchman's salary off their bloated wage bill.