Daniel Agger could be back on Barça's menu

The difficulties encountered trying to sign Marquinhos have forced Barcelona to look to other options to strengthen their defence. Players such as Daley Blind and Thomas Vermaelen have been talked about, but the most affordable option may be Daniel Agger.

The Liverpool centre back was offered to the club a few weeks ago and the operation is open. The scene for the signing is more appropriate than last season, with the English club close to closing a deal to sign the Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton for €25million.

Agger's contract runs until 2016, but the Danish international is ready to sign for Barça. Now 29, and after eight seasons with Liverpool, he's excited at the possibility of playing for a club who will be competing for so many titles.

The Blaugrana have considered signing him for several years, and his price, around €15million, would not alter the expected budget for signings this summer. Luis Suarez's transfer served to improve relationships between the two clubs, which may facilitate a speed agreement over Agger.

Andoni Zubizarreta believes that the player has all the characteristics to perform for Barcelona. Those that have seen him play often, say Agger has speed, aggression and is good in the air.

On top of that, he is a central defender who has expressed a desire to play from the back. When Roy Hodgson was Liverpool manager, Agger rejected the current England boss' playing style. "I am here to play football," he said. "I don't want to pump the ball long. The manager has a philosophy which is not my style, I am not that type of player. I like to keep the ball on the ground and I want to continue doing that."

Agger has been frustrated at playing third fiddle to Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho at Liverpool, while he hasn't been enthusiastic to be used at left-back on occasions. "I don't want to be the third option," the Dane said.

For his part, the Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, has put the player's lack of game town down to injuries. "He has not had much luck since I have been at the club," he explained. "The biggest problem with Daniel has been his availability. He's missed a lot of games because of being injured."

Looking at it this way, it doesn't seem strange that his exit from the Anfield club could be possible this summer.

AN OBSTACLE

More than the transfer fee, which will not be more than €15million, Barcelona must negotiate a deal with a player who is one of the top earners at Liverpool. Having renewed his contract in 2012, in line with his role at that point, Agger receives a large wage. This, along with his injury problems, is the negative aspect to his potential arrival.

Agger himself recognised in to 2013 that retiring was a possibility. "In some moments I've thought about ending my career," he admitted. "I've had serious injuries and on occasions I think about retiring. Now I'm OK," he assured.

Currently in the USA with Liverpool on a pre-season tour, he has recently spoken about his future. "Now I am here and it depends on if I can show the manager that I can play," he said.

Liverpool lost 1-0 against Roma in their first friendly, with Agger participating in 30 minutes of the match. They play Olympiakos on Sunday in Chicago, as they continue their tour of America.