Liverpool are interested in signing Inter Milan playmaker Nicolo Barella, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
There has been speculation over the last week that the 26-year-old could be the subject of a £50m bid from Newcastle, while Chelsea have also been mentioned as a potential suitor. However, Romano believes Jurgen Klopp’s side could enter the fray for the midfielder’s signature:
“At the moment, Inter have not received any official bid from Newcastle [for Barella]. It’s also important to say about this deal that Inter will not sell the player for £50m, this is not the case. We heard rumours about Chelsea. They are informed on the player but the reality is that Chelsea are only focused on [Moises] Caicedo. On Barella, I would also keep an eye on Liverpool. Because Liverpool have always been following the player. Jurgen Klopp has always been a big fan of Barella. And so, let’s see what happens at Liverpool.”
As Romano says, Barella won’t be available on the cheap. While there was talk in the English press that £50m could be enough to sign Barella, it is felt a more likely asking price is €80m (£68.4m).
Considering how little they spent on Alexis Mac Allister, you would hope that the Reds possess the financial resources to snap up the Italian but getting the approval of the player will also be needed.
Liverpool are targeting other midfielders
Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga is likely to be one of the alternatives for Barella, and he would be significantly cheaper, due to the fact that he has a €40m (£34m) release clause.
Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone are also still in the frame as potential options, as are Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, but you do get the feeling that the Reds have still not settled on who they want to go after next.
Romano’s comments on Barella are certainly promising, though. He is an extremely talented midfielder and, if he were open to leaving Inter, the Italian international would be a tremendous asset for any team who signs him.
