Liverpool's hopes of signing midfielder Pedri have taken a blow after Barcelona reiterated its desire to keep the 21-year-old. Pedri has had a difficult season with injuries and has been among the substitutes for his side's last three matches.

Spanish publication Marca reported recently that Liverpool was on alert, with Barca considering selling the midfielder. It had been claimed that Barca would let Pedri go for an offer in the vicinity of $65m (£51.3m/€60m), with Arsenal and Manchester City both also keen.

But according to Relevo, a move now appears highly unlikely with Pedri regarded as a player who is simply not for sale at the Nou Camp. And after extending his stay with the club, Xavi wants to build his team around the Spain international.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand calls out three pundits for 'disrespect' towards Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah

READ MORE: Darwin Núñez poses with Barcelona ace amid transfer speculation after Liverpool social media purge

Pedri is contracted at Barca until 2026 and the club and his agent have been negotiating fresh terms for some time. Yet the club's well-known financial issues have slowed down talks and led to speculation over a potential transfer.

Speaking ahead of the recent Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Pedri revealed a new deal had been discussed: "I’m very calm, I’m very happy. I know that Barca will keep to what was discussed. I’m happy to be in the team of my dreams," he said.

His comments were echoed by those of sporting director Deco, who moved to reject speculation that Barca would cash in on Pedri this summer. “Pedri is a fundamental player for the future, we do not want to lose him,” he told DAZN.

“We are not worried about his physical condition. He is doing specific work to recover well. The important thing is that he finishes the season well.”

The midfielder played the final 20 minutes of his side's defeat to unlikely challengers Girona on Saturday, which left Barca in third. Xavi's side still has four matches to play as it bids to secure second spot this term.

Pedri meanwhile will be eager to prove his fitness in a bid to be part of the Spain squad for the European Championships. He has not featured for his country since the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Liverpool.com says: It was always going to be a tough deal to pull off to get Pedri to Anfield. Despite his injury troubles, he remains one of the best young players in the world and Barca would always want to keep him. Liverpool will have to consider alternatives, should another midfield addition be targeted this summer.