Liverpool plan Barcelona star - bid

Liverpool will reportedly formalise their interest in Barcelona striker David Villa when the transfer window opens in January.

It was reported on Tuesday that the Reds, along with Chelsea, had made an initial enquiry regarding the potential availability of the Spain international.

And now, according to Spanish publication Sport, Liverpool plan to press ahead with a bid for Villa in the New Year.

Kenny Dalglish is understood to be keen to add extra firepower to his ranks when the opportunity arises, in order to help fire Liverpool into the Champions League.

The acquisition of Villa would certainly provide the Liverpool boss with just that, although Villa has only netted on three occasions this season amid reports he has fallen out with Lionel Messi.

Dalglish is still striving to discover his most potent forward duo, with neither Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt or Craig Bellamy hitting their straps next to Luis Suarez.

And Villa would certainly give Dalglish an enviable selection dilemma, should he move to Anfield.