Sadio Mane reportedly became a transfer target for Barcelona last summer.
Mane ended a recent goal drought with a hat-trick in Liverpool’s five-goal drubbing of Porto in their Champions League last 16 clash on Wednesday.
The winger’s goals took his current tally to 12 in this campaign and heralded a return to form after a difficult spell since an impressive debut season at Anfield.
He bagged 13 goals in 27 league games in the months since securing a £30 million move from Southampton, which earned plaudits from across Europe.
And reports in Spain claim that Barcelona were among those taking an interest.
According to Sport, the Catalan giants considered a move for Mane as an alternative amid failed attempts to lure Philippe Coutinho away from Anfield.
Barca saw several offers for the Brazilian rejected by Liverpool last summer, and mooted his Reds teammate as a viable back-up before the idea was eventually discarded.
Coutinho eventually secured a long-awaited transfer to the Nou Camp last month in a deal worth up to £142 million.