Barcelona have reportedly entered the race to sign Southampton defender Dejan Lovren this summer.

Reports earlier this week suggested that the Croatian had handed in a formal transfer request following rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool.

However, the Premier League runners-up are now believed to be competing with Barcelona, who are searching for defensive reinforcements after Carles Puyol announced his retirement.

According to AS, Barcelona are willing to pay as much as £20m to secure the 24-year-old's services for next season.

Lovren joined the Saints from Lyon last summer.