However, Barca also want to land the in-form Atleti player.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are set to go head to head with La Liga champions FC Barcelona in the race to sign coveted Atletico de Madrid midfield player Koke when the winter transfer window opens again for business in the new year, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
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The Spain international has been attracting the attentions of a whole host of big-name clubs throughout the Continent of late after turning in a string of eye-catching displays for the high-flying Liga outfit.
As a result, it is believed that the Premier League champions and the Merseyside giants are keen to land the attacking midfielder at the turn of the year, although both outfits know that they will face stiff competition in the player from the Catalans.
And that is because new Barca boss Tata Martino has already earmarked the up-and-coming 21-year-old to replace veteran playmaker Xavi Hernandez in the centre of the park at Camp Nou next season.
However, all three sides will first need to meet the full value of the buyout clause in Koke’s current contract at the Vincente Calderon, which runs until June 30 2018, before any possible deal for Koke can be reached, with reports suggesting the Spaniard’s release clause is estimated to be worth £17 million.
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