Barcelona are keen to bring back Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara in January, but Jurgen Klopp is determined to keep hold of the star. Barcelona has been struggling this season, currently sitting in fourth place in La Liga and 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Despite their difficulties, Barcelona has reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and is still in the Spanish Cup. However, they are in need of a central midfielder after Gavi’s season-ending injury. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that they are looking for a temporary replacement for Gavi and Thiago is at the top of their shortlist. Thiago, who graduated from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, won 10 trophies with the club before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2013 and then joining Liverpool in 2020. He has struggled with injuries during his time at Liverpool and hasn’t played at all this season. Klopp wants Thiago to stay to boost Liverpool’s title charge, but Thiago’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a potential free agent in the summer. Barcelona may have to look elsewhere for a midfield replacement in January. Xavi is also interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez, but both players have their own challenges.