Liverpool are weighing up bids for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, according to Sport Mediaset.

The Italian TV station claims that an offer for Kessie is the likeliest out of the two. Juventus have been trying to secure the Ivorian’s signature on loan with an option to buy but Barca are keener on a permanent sale.

They report that Liverpool are “in the race” for Kessie with Jurgen Klopp’s side prepared to pay the €15m (£13m) needed to secure his services.

With the 26-year-old also preferring a move to the Premier League, the Reds are said to be in pole position to snap him up.

Barella’s situation is slightly different

Sport Mediaset are not as confident that Liverpool will be able to land Barella. He turned down a move to Newcastle earlier this summer and he has just been made vice-captain of Inter.

However, it is believed that, if a “top offer” arrives from the Reds before the transfer window closes, things could change. The “prestige” of playing for the Merseyside club may make a move more tempting for the Italian international.

Previous reports have suggested that Inter would demand at least €80m (£69m) for Barella so a transfer would still be deemed as unlikely at this stage.

Klopp wants more depth in midfield

Sport Mediaset‘s story was prompted by what manager Jurgen Klopp said in his press conference before the 4-0 win over Leicester at the weekend. When asked about the club’s midfield options, he said:

“We know we have to do something there, that’s absolutely clear. We are working on solutions, but I think everybody can imagine that.”

We shall have to wait and see whether Kessie and Barella do actually end up being top targets ahead of the transfer deadline, which is just over a month away.