Daniel Agger has moved a step nearer an Anfield exit after Barcelona made it clear they want to sign the Liverpool defender at the end of the season.
Barcelona's interest emerged on the eve of Liverpool's attempt to overhaul Chelsea's commanding Champions' League advantage at Stamford Bridge tonight, and was confirmed by senior sources at the Nou Camp.
Manager Pep Guardiola has monitored Agger's recent return to Liverpool's starting line-up and been impressed with his ability to bring the ball out of defence and set up attacks.
The Denmark centre-back provided another reminder of his adventurous approach on Saturday, when he sidestepped a Blackburn challenge and beat former England keeper Paul Robinson from 30 yards in Liverpool's 4-0 win, and it further enhanced his reputation in the Catalan capital.
Guardiola's attack-minded side are already running away with the Primera Liga title, as well as making a spectacular impact on the Champions' League, but the former Barca midfielder feels there is room for improvement at the back and has made Agger his top summer target.
It is a further concern for Rafa Benitez, despite his repeated claims that agreement will be reached with the 24-year old over renewing a contract that runs out at the end of next season.
Talks have stalled over an opening request for a double-your-money deal worth close on ?70,000-a-week, while Agger has also spelled out his misgivings at frequently finding himself behind Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel for the two centre-back berths.
He is in no hurry to commit himself and is believed to have indicated to friends that he will delay any decision until the summer, when he will weigh up a variety of options.
Apart from more negotiations with Liverpool and a likely approach from Barcelona, Agger can be sure of an offer from AC Milan after Carlo Ancelotti underlined his intention to instal the former Brondby centre-half as the cornerstone of a new-look defence at the San Siro.
Barcelona's interest emerged on the eve of Liverpool's attempt to overhaul Chelsea's commanding Champions' League advantage at Stamford Bridge tonight, and was confirmed by senior sources at the Nou Camp.
Manager Pep Guardiola has monitored Agger's recent return to Liverpool's starting line-up and been impressed with his ability to bring the ball out of defence and set up attacks.
The Denmark centre-back provided another reminder of his adventurous approach on Saturday, when he sidestepped a Blackburn challenge and beat former England keeper Paul Robinson from 30 yards in Liverpool's 4-0 win, and it further enhanced his reputation in the Catalan capital.
Guardiola's attack-minded side are already running away with the Primera Liga title, as well as making a spectacular impact on the Champions' League, but the former Barca midfielder feels there is room for improvement at the back and has made Agger his top summer target.
It is a further concern for Rafa Benitez, despite his repeated claims that agreement will be reached with the 24-year old over renewing a contract that runs out at the end of next season.
Talks have stalled over an opening request for a double-your-money deal worth close on ?70,000-a-week, while Agger has also spelled out his misgivings at frequently finding himself behind Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel for the two centre-back berths.
He is in no hurry to commit himself and is believed to have indicated to friends that he will delay any decision until the summer, when he will weigh up a variety of options.
Apart from more negotiations with Liverpool and a likely approach from Barcelona, Agger can be sure of an offer from AC Milan after Carlo Ancelotti underlined his intention to instal the former Brondby centre-half as the cornerstone of a new-look defence at the San Siro.
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