"Darling" – Klopp wanted to take Leicester to Liverpool

Leicester city winger Javi Barnes has reportedly become a "favourite" for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as he looks for better attacking options.

The 23-year-old has been one of the Foxes' best-performers in recent seasons, and his outstanding performances were awarded a new contract in August.

So far this season, he has made 12 appearances in all competitions and contributed 4 goals.

Barnes was particularly notable last season, suffering a long-term knee injury in February that prevented him from playing for the rest of the 2020/21 season.

Fekayes said the Leicester winger could join Anfield as Klopp had already told club executives the player was his "favourite".

The Reds currently have Sadio Mani, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Horta as strikers.

The report added that Klopp was interested in bringing in a young striker for the club. Liverpool have also been linked to Watford striker Ismaila Sal in recent months.

Like Barnes, Fox midfielder Yuli Tillermans is a transfer target for Merseyside.

Voetbal 24 claimed last month that the Belgian midfielder was "ready to go further next summer".

It is said that "the whole of Europe is chasing him", but the 24-year-old is "aiming for the absolute top club", with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all chasing him.

Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the dreams of other clubs in Europe, the report added that he will play for one of the six clubs next season.

Discussing Tillermans' future, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insisted the club "will do everything in its power" to retain the player.

"Of course, the club will do everything possible to keep you," Rogers said.

"My focus is on making him the best player he can be. It's a problem between his agent and the club and hopefully they can find a solution.

"It was fantastic to work with him and today against Brentford was a fantastic goal. He creates goals, he scores goals, he is the real mind of our midfielders. ”