Jurgen Klopp on a three-man shortlist by Barcelona to replace Koeman

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly shown keen interest in Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with Koeman coming under increasing pressure.

The Blaugrana have put the Reds boss on a three-man shortlist to replace Barca coach Ronald Koeman as manager.

And reports claim that Jurgen Klopp is said to be the choice of Catalan president Laporta as a potential successor to Koeman, who is under enormous pressure after last week's Champions League thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich.

Things have not gone well with Barca after the departure of Lionel Messi and the Argentine himself is not finding his rhythm in the PSG set-up.  

The Blaugrana 3-0 defeat to Bayern in the Champions League also followed a disappointing draw at home to Granada, who took an early lead before Ronald Araujo saved the Catalan Club's blushes with a late equalizer.

And an emergency board meeting is said to have taken place in the immediate aftermath of the game at the Nou Camp in which Koeman's future was discussed.

That meeting followed one last week, where it is claimed Laporta discussed with other board members possible candidates to take the hot seat should Koeman need to be replaced.

And according to El Nacional, Klopp was on the shortlist along with Ajax coach Erik ten Hag and Barcelona legend Xavi, which claims Klopp is Laporta's choice to be the next manager.

Reports also reveal that Xavi would have the backing of Barca's star players, with the Al-Sadd coach considered one of the greatest ever players after his trophy-laden 17-year career at the Nou Camp.

But it is claimed that the favourite for the position is Ten Hag, who is endorsed by legendary former Barca boss and current Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola.

Klopp has led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory, but is contracted until 2024 and is unlikely to be prised away from Anfield early.

Both Ten Hag and Xavi are considered more suitable in terms of the style of football they would want to employ.

So the Reds fans appear to have little to worry about, with Barcelona's ideal scenario appearing to be Ten Hag taking over, while Xavi continues to learn his trade as a coach before one day taking charge at the Nou Camp.

If Koeman were to leave his role in the near future, it is said that Barca could turn to Johan Cruyff's son Jordi as a short-term option.