Liverpool transfer target Gavi is almost certain to sign a new deal with current club Barcelona, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Liverpool talks

The 17-year-old, hailed as "terrific" by Italy boss Roberto Mancini, has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in world football, already making a total of 35 appearances for Barca, racking up five assists from midfield.

Liverpool made contact to sign the La Masia graudate in an audacious move recently, as Jurgen Klopp looks to build towards the long-term future, with reports even claiming he had been identified as a long-term successor for Thiago.

The young Spaniard's current deal only runs until 2023, opening the door for interested parties like the Reds to being talks, but a key update has now emerged regarding the matter.

The Latest: New Barca deal expected

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Romano claimed that a new contract is a given at Barca and it will be agreed later this year:

"Barcelona have Gavi’s new contract almost ready since December. It’s matter of time to complete the proposal and then enter into final details. Club still more than optimistic to get his contract extension signed this year."

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The Verdict: No great surprise

While the idea of Gavi joining Liverpool was a mouthwatering one, it always felt highly unlikely, with his future always looking like being at Barca.

He is a special talent and the Catalan giants were simply never going to allow his contract to run down, having become the youngest-ever player to represent Spain last year.

Along with Pedri, it could be that Gavi is the poster boy for the next great era at the Camp Nou and it may be that Liverpool end up coming up against their former target in key Champions League matches.

In other news, a journalist has shared a big update on another Liverpool target. Read more here.