Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was previously blown away by Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and now the Reds are interested in bringing him to Anfield.
That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim Liverpool scout Paul Goldrick and chief scout Barry Hunter have been following the Italy international for some time now.
As per the report, the 26-year-old has been added to the Merseyside outfit’s long list of midfield targets for the summer.
The amount Jurgen Klopp’s side would be willing to pay remains unknown, but it is suggested Inter would hold out for at least £70m.
The German manager has long been a fan of Barella. He has previously described him as ‘a really good player’ who ‘has all the things that you want from a midfielder’.
Furthermore, he has praised his work-rate, claiming he is ‘aggressive’, ‘technical’ and ‘can run for ages’.
Klopp interested in signing Barella
By now, it’s obvious Liverpool are hoping to undergo a rebuild of their midfield over the summer.
With three additions on the cards for the middle of the park at Anfield, one name consistently touted is Jude Bellingham.
The Reds may have to spend up to £130m to land the Borussia Dortmund star, so their remaining transfer budget will need to be hefty to sign another two quality options.
This budget will completely affect Liverpool’s proposed targets, and whether they can afford to go for a player like Barella, who could cost them £70m.
The likes of Matheus Nunes have been linked around the £50m mark, as has Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
These could be more realistic options for the Reds, who also need to sign a centre-back if they are to have any chance of competing this season.