Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is a “target” for Liverpool, according to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy.

The journalist, who is known to have strong insider sources at the Reds, claims the Italian international is on the shortlist of options to strengthen the midfield.

RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai is believed to be the top priority at the moment, although there are doubts over whether Jurgen Klopp’s side can get a transfer done for the Hungarian international.

His €70m (£60m) release clause expires at the end of the week and there is little prospect of a deal being agreed before then, meaning they may have to negotiate with Leipzig over the transfer fee.

In addition to Szoboszlai and Barella, Reddy also claims that the club have been considering moves for Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch and Nice’s Khephren Thuram.

Liverpool will have competition for Barella

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano was asked about Premier League interest in Barella earlier this month. At the time, Newcastle and Chelsea were mentioned as potential suitors, but even then, the Italian journalist insisted that Klopp’s side shouldn’t be discounted from the race for the midfielder.

Since then, Arsenal and Manchester United have also been suggested as potential suitors in the Italian media, but there haven’t been any concrete bids so far this summer.

Barella could be more expensive than Szoboszlai

The Italian international should really be higher up Liverpool’s list of priorities due to his outstanding ability but his €80m (£69m) price tag means any deal will prove to be very difficult.

Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Thuram would all be cheaper options and the Reds may not pursue a deal to sign Barella for that reason.

Another factor could be the player himself. The 26-year-old has shown no desire to leave Inter and that may be why Liverpool have opted against bidding for him.