Liverpool have revealed Barcelona attempted to sign French new boy Djibril Cisse on loan.

The striker, long-coveted by the Anfield club, moved during the summer in a £14m deal from Auxerre.

"There have been strong indications from Barcelona to take Cisse on loan," said chief executive Rick Parry.

"The idea of us allowing a player we have spent that much money on to leave on loan before he has played a competitive match is just incredible."

Liverpool's record signing has impressed manager Rafael Benitez in his two pre-season outings.

After finding his feet in the victory over Wrexham, the 22-year-old scored two goals in the 5-1 win over Celtic on the club's tour of north America.