Barcelona ready to test Liverpool over defender Daniel Agger

BARCELONA are readying a bid for Liverpool defender Daniel Agger as new manager Gerardo Martino looks to strengthen his side's defence.

Agger is wanted by new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino

Agger, who joined the Reds from Danish side Brondby in 2006, only signed a new two-year extension to his current contract in October of last year.

Even though the 28-year-old is contracted until 2016, reports in Spain and Denmark suggest that Martino is weighing up an offer for the defender.

The Danish international came close to joining Barcelona last summer, until a change of heart from former manager Tito Vilanova scuppered the transfer.

Agger has been a key figure since joining Liverpool in 2006 for £6m

The Danish international came close to joining Barcelona last summer

“The Danish international came close to joining Barcelona last summer”

The 50-year-old is keen to put his on stamp on the Camp Nou and sees Agger as a player who fits the Barcelona style of play.

Even though Martino wants to resurrect a deal he is not willing to pay over the odds for the deal.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to keep hold of Agger as he sees him as key to his project at Anfield.

Rodgers sees the Liverpool no.5 as the perfect cadidate to fill the void left by Jamie Carragher who retired at the end of last season.

The former Swansea manager is not willing to let Agger go

Martino is hoping to bring his own players into the La Liga champions

Martino's attentions turned to the Liverpool ace after a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz was rejected by Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

The former Real Madrid coach dismissed their interest insisting that there would be 'no chance' of Luiz leaving Stamford Bridge regardless of the size of the bid from the La Liga champions.

Luiz was a target for Barcelona before being ruled out of a move by Jose Mourinho