Franck Kessie’s agent reply to Liverpool transfer rumours amid links with £30m deal

Franck Kessie has been linked with a move away from Barcelona in this summer’s transfer window, with Liverpool one of the interested suitors, although the midfielder isn’t giving up on his comings and goings.

Franck Kessie’s agent has poured cold water on reports that the Barcelona midfielder has been made available for a transfer.

The Ivory Coast international joined the La Liga giants from AC Milan last summer.

But he has struggled to start since arriving at Camp Nou despite being a regular in Xavi’s side which won the Spanish title for the first time in four years.

It is now understood that Barca are ready to sell the 26-year-old as the company look to raise funds for another summer.

The LaLiga champions continue to struggle financially as a major upgrade forces them to play away from the Nou Camp next season.

This has seen them trying to raise funds by signing players who don’t necessarily have a long-term place in Xavi’s plans. According to AS, Kessie appeared to be one of the first to go and Liverpool were one of the teams interested in him.

A meeting between Kessie and Xavi would have proved ‘crucial’ with the Barca boss making it clear that the club would be forced to sell him. It was further reported that Kessie had accepted the decision and was ready to go.

He was reportedly given a £30m prize, with Inter Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham named as interested suitors.

But those reports appear to have been false now that Kessie’s agent has publicly condemned them.

The rep reportedly called the report ‘fake news’ and that Kessie would like to stay at Barcelona.

His position has not changed and he will resist any attempt to develop it further this summer.

Reports of Inter’s interest in the midfielder first surfaced in March when Kessie was mainly used as a substitute. But back then, Xavi insisted he was a key player and not for sale.

“We are very happy with him, he is showing great performance. He rarely loses the ball and the timing of his runs in the box is good. He works hard for the team and is generous with his team-mates,” said Barca coach.

“The games he has played give him confidence, he is patient and will be important for us. I am very happy with Franck.

The news will come as a blow to Liverpool, who are looking to review their midfield options this summer. With Jude Bellingham joining Real Madrid instead, manager Jurgen Klopp has been forced to look for alternatives.

Kessie appeared to be one of them and if he was available for £30million he would certainly be within Liverpool’s price bracket. But now it looks like Klopp may have to cross the Barca man off his shopping list.