Transfer news: Liverpool and Tottenham enquire about availability of Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto - reports

The Premier League rivals also face competition from AC Milan to land the Spain Under-21s star according to Spanish reports

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto is a reported target for both Tottenham and Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool and Tottenham are believed to be considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, according to reports in Spain.

Roberto is currently out of favour under manager Gerardo Martino, despite being touted as having a bright future – one of many shining lights to develop through the Catalans youth ranks.

However, Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo are reporting that both Tottenham and Liverpool are keen on signing the 21-year-old, and have already made enquiries to the player's agent as they look to strengthen their attack.

One potential stumbling block would be the asking price though, with the Spanish league champions reluctant to sell on of their young talents. Roberto does have a release clause in his contract, and a potential suitor would need to cough up €20m (£16.8m) to lure him away from the Nou Camp.

Roberto has been with the club since he joined the academy in 2006, making his first-team debut four years later, although he has become frustrated with his lack of opportunities having made just six league appearances since then.

Italian side AC Milan have also enquired over the attacking midfielder’s availability, although the price could pose a major problem in their attempts to sign Roberto. One solution would be to fund the move with the sale of young forward Stephan El Shaarawy, with reported interest coming from Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to improve the Reds’ attack having seen Philippe Coutinho become a major hit at Anfield, and with Victor Moses set to return to Chelsea at the end of the season and Iago Aspas’ future looking bleak after he failed to settle in the Premier League, a move for Roberto could be exactly what Rodgers needs to strengthen Liverpool’s chances of success.

Spurs will look to cut-off any approach from the Merseyside club, although manager Andre Villas-Boas can’t offer regular first-team action to Roberto having added players like Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Christian Eriksen to his squad in the summer.