Barcelona and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is chasing the 27 year-old Brazilian for the summer market, seeing him as a direct replacement for the wantaway Dejan Lovren.

However, Sport says Barca sports chief Eric Abidal is now prioritising a move for Carlos.

Sevilla have referred both clubs to the player's €75m buyout clause, but Abidal has no interest in paying such a figure.

Instead, Barca are willing to use Ivan Rakitic in negotiations. The former Sevilla midfielder wants to return to his old club this summer and Abidal is ready to use him as a bargaining chip to beat Liverpool to Carlos' signing.

Liverpool would be willing to pay the full clause, but the prospect of a hefty cash component plus the return of Rakitic will be tempting for Sevilla president Jose Castro.