Liverpool have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Barcelona out-of-favour forward Malcom, according to Le 10 Sport.

The 21-year-old striker has failed to adapt at Camp Nou since joining the Catalan giants in a £36.5m deal from Bordeaux last summer, starting just once in Spanish league all term and being used 12 times across all competitions.

The Premier League duo Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are among the English clubs rumoured to have already contacted Barcelona to discuss a deal for the Brazilian, but the report claims that Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners to land him this summer.

Barca reportedly want to keep the youngster for at least yet another season, though the forward may force a way out of Catalonia if his first-team prospects still lag in the coming months.

Malcom has scored three goals, including in the 1-1 Copa del Rey draw against Real Madrid earlier this month.