Rumour: Liverpool rekindle their interest in former Barcelona star Seydou Keita

Seydou Keita of Mali celebrates scoring the 2nd goal during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Third Place Play-Off match between Mali and Ghana

Liverpool are reportedly back in the hunt for former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, despite claiming that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insulted him during his first pursuit of the Mali international.

The 34-year-old opted for a move to Valencia in January on a short-term deal, claiming that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who signed a new contract today, insulted him during his attempt to sign the midfielder.

According to the Daily Star, Keita said that Rodgers only saw him as a squad player at the time, which annoyed the central-midfielder.

Rodgers, however, has not taken the comments to heart and is still intrigued to see if he can tempt the colossal figure to move to Merseyside, as the Northern Irishman bolsters his squad for next season.

The Reds have qualified for the Champions League for the first time in five-years and have been linked with a host of players as they look to sustain their title challenge from this campaign, and also mount a fight in Europe.

Liverpool last played in the Champions League in December 2009 when they were defeated by Fiorentina. However, Rodgers has led his side back amongst the elite in just his second season in charge at the club.