Liverpool Renew Interest In David Villa

Liverpool is reported to have thrown their hat into the ring for the signature of David Villa from Barcelona.

Liverpool once had a Spanish striker who was regarded as truly great by the Anfield fans, Fernando Torres.

While he walked out on them in a failed bid to win a Premier League title with Chelsea, the Reds could be about to get a belated upgrade.

At every international tournament in which they have both played with Spain, Torres has been matched or outshone by David Villa - now of Barcelona.

With Barcelona's beating at the hands of Bayern Munich, the Catalans are poised to make some big changes in the summer - with Villa tipped for the exit.

Now Spanish daily newspaper AS is reporting Liverpool is keen to attract the services of the Spanish all-time leading goalscorer, who is now 31.

However their claims can be taken with a pinch of salt, because the paper says Villa is wanted at Liverpool, as a replacement rather than a complement for Luis Suarez.

This is despite managing director Ian Ayre repeatedly stating Suarez is not for sale, and the Uruguayan featuring prominently in Liverpool's 2013/14 kit launch earlier today.

The paper quite fancifully says that Suarez is wanted by Atletico Madrid, in turn as a replacement for Falcao. Atletico may end up with the funds to bid for Suarez, but again it's unlikely Liverpool will sell.

It is a shame for Liverpool fans there isn't more promise to the report, because a striker of Villa's calibre would be the difference make Liverpool need to join the Premier League's big guns once again, and also would be a terrific finisher for Daniel Sturridge to learn from.

Arsenal was previously interested but Arsene Wenger has last month said he was keen to look at other targets. Liverpool have previously been linked with Villa but no move or developments came to fruition.

If Liverpool is interested in Villa as a complement for Suarez, with Barcelona's stance as it is; if the desire was there, and the right pitch put to the player by the club, they may just have a chance of getting him.