Liverpool are preparing a huge opening offer for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to reports in Italy.
Barella is being strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle all reportedly interested in the Italy international.
The 26-year-old has caught the eye after playing a key role in Inter's recent run to the Champions League final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.
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He made 52 appearances in all competitions for Inter last season, scoring nine times and providing 10 assists.
Barella is also an important player for Italy, having scored eight goals in 45 appearances for his national side.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim United have already made an initial approach for the midfielder, with 'phone calls' made from Old Trafford to Inter Milan.
Liverpool are also in the market for further midfield reinforcements after signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
How much could Barella cost?
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Italian journalist Marco Barzaghi claims the Merseyside club is ready to submit a £77m bid for Barella, who was described as a 'warrior' by his former Inter boss Antonio Conte.
It is claimed the Reds see Barella as having the 'ideal profile' improve their midfield department.
But there are mixed reports over Inter Milan's asking price for the Italian, with Gazzetta claiming the Serie A club could accept a lower offer of around €80m (£68.8m).
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is known to be a fan of Barella, having praised the midfielder after his side's victory over Inter in the Champions League round of 16 during the 2021/22 season.
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"He's a really good player, a really good player and I like him a lot," said Klopp.
"He has all the things you want from a midfield player: he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things.
"That's a top-class player."
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is also a huge fan of Barella, naming him as one of the best midfielders in Europe in his 2022 book 'Intensity'.
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But Barella is not the only midfielder linked with a move to Anfield, with Liverpool reportedly considering several options including Nice's Khephren Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone and Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Inter Milan, Football, Premier League, Serie A, Transfers