Liverpool Dealt Blow in £12m Barcelona Midfielder Chase

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Seydou Keita, with the Barcelona midfielder pledging his long term future to the Catalan giants.

Keita has been in contract talks with Barca since the season began, but the 31-year-old, who joined the club from Sevilla in 2008, is yet to come to an agreement with the side as the season wears on.

And while Liverpool have been open in their pursuit of Keita, reportedly tabling a bid worth £12 mililon, he insists that his future belongs with Barcelona.

"This is a big club and I am perfectly here," he told Spanish newspaper Sport.

"In football you never know what might happen in the future, but I would like to remain part of the team.

"For me, despite interest from Liverpool or any other team, I am very happy at this club and my first choice is to continue playing here.

"The club wants to renew and I want to continue my adventure in Barcelona. As I said before, I want to finish my career at Barcelona."

Big spending Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala were also said to be showing interest in the Liverpool target, but Keita looks more set than ever to stay on with the Champions League trophy holders.

One problem that Liverpool have faced in signing new players in transfer windows over the past year is that they can't offer Champions League football to incoming faces, though Kenny Dalglish is hoping to qualify for the tournament next season.

And while Liverpool have made some big signings since the last two windows, including Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Jose Enrique, they have also lost out to sides who are playing in Europe, with Manchester United beating the Reds to Phil Jones and Ashley Young.

And with Keita also choosing a side that he feels is more equipped to offer success in the short term at least, Liverpool will turn their attentions to other midfield targets, as the side gets ready for the window to open once more.