Moreno Reportedly on Barcelona Radar

While the most exciting part of any transfer window is monitoring potential new signings, keeping an eye on the contracts — and their potential renewals — for players already on the books is a crucial element of the squad building process. With Liverpool tying up captain Jordan Henderson, top-scorer Mohamed Salah, and offensive hub Roberto Firmino to new long-term deals this summer, the focus is now on locking down the delightfully charming and obscenely talented Sadio Mané for a further five years.

Not to be forgotten, however, are the players nearing the end of their deals, and at Liverpool, there are four of them. While Lazar Markovic’s departure is merely a waiting game at this stage, new deals for James Milner and Daniel Sturridge sit at various levels of probability.

The last man on the docket, then, is Alberto Moreno. The Spanish fullback has lived a roller coaster of a career at Anfield since joining the club back in 2014, and looked to have matured into a fine long-term solution at the start of last season, before injury intervened and the 26-year old was usurped by Andy Robertson.

As it stands, the Spaniard looks unlikely to offer a serious challenge to his Scottish counterpart, and should Moreno find that the odd cup and substitute appearance are insufficient at this point in his career, running down his contract in order to secure a better deal at a new club next summer makes perfect sense.

The former Sevilla man has already attracted attention, it seems, and it comes from none other than Spanish giants Barcelona. The Catalonians, having allowed Lucas Digne to join Everton this summer, are looking for a challenger — and, in the long term, replacement — to Jordi Alba, and with limited funds available, their eyes have been drawn to Liverpool’s second choice.

Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal and Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis are reportedly also on the Blaugranes’ shortlist, with Moreno the younger and more attacking option. Regardless of his inconsistent time on Merseyside, few among the Anfield faithul should begrudge the 26-year old a move back to his home country when his time in Liverpool red is up.