Liverpool are ready to table a bid for Cagliari star Nicolo Barella after a series of transfer missions to watch him in action, according to La Nuova Sardegna.
The Italian newspaper claim, as cited by Tutto Mercato Web, that the Merseyside giants are in hot pursuit of the central midfielder, who is also attracting interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
La Nuova report that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is preparing to sanction an offer for Barella, who is valued at £44million by his club Cagliari.
Good move for Liverpool?
Absolutely. You only have to see the calibre of the clubs linked with Barella to appreciate that he is an exciting young talent. Speculation about the 21-year-old’s future has intensified this week after he made an impressive full Italy debut. A key man for his club, Barella is a central midfielder who is versatile enough to thrive in deeper and more offensive roles. All the big Premier League clubs have taken an interest in the player, and it is little wonder that Liverpool are involved, given their success in developing and enhancing youngsters. The Merseysiders have made two blue-chips signings from Serie A in the last two years, Mohamed Salah and Alisson. A third next year could follow suit.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
The Italian media have speculated that Barella is keen on a move to the Premier League, which gives hopes to his many suitors in England. Liverpool are an attractive proposition for the world’s best young talent and they can also call upon the Jurgen Klopp factor to seduce those in demand.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10