Liverpool have approached Barcelona for midfielder Seydou Keita. El Mundo Deportivo says Liverpool have been in touch with the La Liga champions over a January move for Keita but they will face stiff opposition from Russian super-spenders Anzhi.

The 31-year-old has started just five of the Catalan side's 11 La Liga games this season and could opt for a huge final pay-day with a move to the Russian club that already boasts Roberto Carlos and Keita's former Barca team-mate Samuel Eto'o.