Steven Gerrard hails £70m player Liverpool want to sign after seeing him face Jude Bellingham

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Steven Gerrard has given his stamp of approval to reported Liverpool transfer target Nicolo Barella.

Barella has emerged as one of the Reds possible additions in this summer’s transfer market. And lining up for Inter in last night’s Champions League semi-final, it was the perfect stage to show his credentials. As per reports from yesterday, Liverpool were in the stands to keep a close eye on the 26-year-old at San Siro.

So too, it seems was Gerrard. Working as a pundit for BT Sport last night, The Mirror run quotes from the Reds legend raving about Barella’s recent performance for Italy against England.

“I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game,” said the 42-year-old. “He did really well against the England midfield – Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. He’s at a good age as well, coming into his prime.” Another former Liverpool man – Peter Crouch – also praised the Inter midfielder.

“He was crucial in the Benfica games [in the Champions League quarter-final]. He’s got great feet, tenacious as well and decent in the tackle. The first game he was the difference. There’s many, many admirers, Liverpool being one at the moment,” Crouch said.

Barella puts himself out of Liverpool’s reach

Logically, Liverpool fans should perhaps forget about their club adding Barella to Jurgen Klopp’s squad in the near future. As he showed once again last night, he’s absolutely crucial to Inter. He reportedly doesn’t want to leave and why would the Italian’s sell him?

Furthermore, reports from yesterday suggest that there’s a big difference in Liverpool and Inter’s valuation of Barella. While the Reds are said to be willing to put up £50m to sign him, Inter are claimed to be wanting at least £70m.

With Liverpool needing to do plenty of business this off-season, that £20m discrepancy is important.

For our money, Barella is worth the fee. Gerrard is clearly a fan – this isn’t the first time he’s spoken about the Italy international – and he certainly knows a midfielder when he sees one. As Stevie mentions, he’s already coming into his prime and would be a ready-made starter for Liverpool.

As the Reds look to hit the ground running next season, that could be a key point. Whatever way you slice it, they’re going to have to bed in a couple of new players at the start of the campaign. Having a more experienced head in there could help to do that more quickly.

Still, no matter how much Liverpool want to bring Barella in, we just can’t see it happening. He could yet end the season as a Champions League winner Certainly, Inter look odds-on to play in the final after last night’s 2-0 win over Milan.

If he does end up leading Inter to their first European Cup since 2010, his value is only going one way: up. Happy in Milan and with his importance and fee increasing, we think it might be wise to leave this one alone now. But, you never know!