Liverpool are no longer pursuing a deal for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, despite manager Andoni Iraola being a strong admirer of the highly rated youngster.

The Reds had been regarded as serious contenders for the Spanish defensive midfielder, but the proposed transfer now appears highly unlikely. According to Sport, Liverpool have abandoned the idea of signing Bernal.

A move had been expected to cost the Merseyside club about 60m euros in the summer of 2027. However, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has begun selecting the 19-year-old regularly, making a sale in the foreseeable future increasingly unlikely.

Bernal has also agreed a new contract with Barcelona that will run until 2031. The teenager has been compared with former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets and is viewed as one of the club’s promising young players.