Liverpool are the team likeliest to table an offer for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that the 28-year-old’s outstanding form will lead to interest from Premier League clubs.

Manchester City have tried to secure Barella’s signature in the past, but they did not have any success in persuading him to leave Inter.

Gazzetta say that Liverpool are now the team that could “push” the hardest to snap him up, although there are still several factors that make a move unlikely

Barella has a high asking price

The Italian international is one of Inter’s best players and it is believed that it would take as much as €100m (£87m) to convince the Nerazzurri into selling up.

With the Reds’ current transfer record standing at the £85m they paid for Darwin Nunez in 2022, it means they may have to pay more if they want Barella.

Even if they did meet the valuation, though, there is still no guarantee that the midfielder would accept the move. As mentioned, he has turned down approaches from other clubs before in order to stay at Inter.

Liverpool would get a top-class midfielder

There is no doubt that Barella is an elite performer. As well as winning Serie A with Inter and reaching the Champions League final, he was part of Italy’s squad that won Euro 2020. Speaking about the player’s qualities last year, Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann was full of praise:

“Barella. He is exceptional. His performances, both with Inter and with the national team, are incredible. Also thanks to him, as well as to Bastoni, another interesting young man, the team can continue to grow.”

Recruiting a player of Barella’s quality would definitely improve the Reds in the middle of the park, although many feel that the club will seek to strengthen other positions first.

Click here to see Liverpool’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season