Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp allegedly contemplated a reunion with Philippe Coutinho last summer.
Just 18 months after leaving Liverpool for Barcelona, it became clear that the Catalan giants were willing to part ways with a player who had cost them £142m.
While the 27-year-old eventually penned a season-long loan deal with Bayern Munich, the German giants were not short of competition for the Brazil international.
According to The Athletic, discussions were held behind the scenes at Anfield regarding the potential return of Coutinho.
The report claims, however, that talks between Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards were brief due to Barcelona's demands over wages and a loan fee.
Since the turn of the year, Liverpool have been linked with a fresh bid for Coutinho, who may now be available for just £77m.