Liverpool transfer news: Ousmane Dembele discussed by Barcelona boss amid Reds speculation

Dembele joined Barcelona last summer in a then-club-record deal in the wake of Neymar’s £200m move to Paris Saint-Germain.

But he endured a tough start to life under Valverde, with injuries initially blighting his £95m switch to Catalunya.

Dembele has since returned to fitness and is vying for a starting place alongside the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez.

The France international has still been talked up as a potential Liverpool target, with Jurgen Klopp pouring fuel on the fire.

"Oh, is he [Dembele] on the market? Now I’m interested!” said Klopp after last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Valverde suggested Barcelona believe Dembele will be around for years to come though after his impressive performance against Villarreal on Wednesday night.

"Dembele had a great game," said Valverde after Barcelona's 5-1 win. "He’s a very talented player indeed.

"His last goal was lovely. We are expecting big things from him.

"He’s still very young and has a long time ahead to show his class. All new players need some time to adapt."

Dembele, who scored a brace against Villarreal, will be eager to make his mark in Barcelona’s final two games of the season.

Valverde’s side travel to Levante this Sunday before welcoming Real Sociedad to the Nou Camp next weekend.

Liverpool, meanwhile, round off their campaign by facing Brighton in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League final.