Liverpool benchwarmer targeted to be Barcelona’s new Puyol

The rumours haven’t taken long to re-emerge now that Barcelona’s transfer ban has been suspended and it’s a Liverpool defender who’s the first subject of the gossip.

The Catalan club haven endured a difficult season under Tata Martino, having been dumped out of the Champions League by La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and falling to 10/1 outsiders to claim their domestic league.

An overhaul of the playing staff is widely expected this coming summer, with some players being shipped out and others taking it upon themselves to walk away.

One player who’s taking the latter option is club legend Carlos Puyol, who will leave the Camp Nou at the end of the season having made just six starts in both the league and Europe this season.

With their iconic leader no longer around, Martino will be in desperate need of a replacement having just Gerard Pique and midfielder Javier Mascherano to call on at the back.

Daniel Agger is the man thought to be lined-up as Puyol’s replacement and it’s a move that could well happen considering the Dane’s own lack of games on Merseyside.

The 29-year-old hasn’t started any of the last four matches as the Reds have crept ever closer to a maiden Premier League title, a feat they are 6/5 to achieve, and has been in and out of the side all term thanks to a combination of injuries and squad rotation.

Agger has made just 17 appearances in all competitions this season, which could lead Brendan Rodgers into thinking the time is right to cash in on Barca’s interest.

Should the right offer be made, Rodgers could use the cash to upgrade his defensive personnel – a collective that has shipped the most goals of the current top five – while allowing a potentially disgruntled player seek playing time elsewhere.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.