Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno is on the verge of leaving Anfield, with Barcelona and Roma showing keen interest in the left-back.
The 23-year-old failed to impress manager Brendan Rodgers in the second-half of last season and has recently been criticised by club legend and television pundit Mark Lawrenson.
The former defender told the Liverpool Echo that the Spaniard was made to look like a ‘little boy’ while playing for the Reds last campaign.
In the interview, Lawrenson said: “Moreno started the season well after coming in from Sevilla and scored that fine goal at White Hart Lane, but it all fell apart in the second-half of the season.
“Worryingly, quite often he has looked like a little boy lost in the big games.” he added.
In pre-season, it seems as though the Spain international could lose his place in Rodgers’ starting side to 18-year-old Joe Gomez, who is expected to start over Moreno in their season opener against Stoke City on Sunday.
Also, Moreno’s future at Anfield is in doubt after the Daily Mirror claim that his recent absences raise questions over his commitment to the club and that his absences suggest that talks are ongoing with a range of clubs across Europe.
They also say that Rodgers is growing increasingly concerned about his defensive abilities and is open to offers for the Sevilla academy product.
Champions League and La Liga champions FC Barcelona are chasing the defender’s signature; with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo revealing that the Catalan club are interested and will make an £8million move for the full-back.
The Spanish giants see Moreno as being an understudy to Jordi Alba, with Adriano looking to be leaving the Nou Camp before the transfer window shuts.
However, Barca face tough competition to sign the Spaniard, with Italian giants Roma lining up a move for Moreno, with Italian source Calcio Mercato Web claiming that the Serie A side are lining up a £9million bid for the 5ft 7in left-back.
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
