Speaking on the most recent episode of the LFC Transfer Room podcast, Liam Grimshaw revealed well-known journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has disclosed in an exclusive interview that Nicolo Barella is a target for Liverpool this summer.
The Inter midfielder has excelled since moving to San Siro, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists in 80 appearances for the Nerazzurri.
Barella’s impressive performances have seen the Italy international linked with several of the continent’s top teams, and Jurgen Klopp’s men are one of his admirers, according to Grimshaw.
He said: “He also told us during the interview that Nicolo Barella, who’s also at Inter Milan, is a target for Liverpool, but unfortunately, he’s unlikely to join because Inter don’t want him to leave.
“And they are essentially just going to high-ball us on the price, and we know our owners do not like that, so they’re probably not going to pay for it.”
TIF Thoughts on Barella…
With Georginio Wijnaldum reportedly closing in on a move to La Liga giants Barcelona, Klopp may need to replace the Netherlands international over the upcoming transfer window, and a move for Barella would make sense if going off his position and performances this season.
However, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in Inter’s title charge this year, as his impressive 7/10 WhoScored rating shows, and Antonio Conte is unlikely to be willing to part with his prized asset.
With a transfer value of £54m (as per Transfermarkt), Liverpool could find this deal too expensive to make, although time will ultimately tell.
In other news: ‘Potential to be better than Wijnaldum’ – Journalist claims LFC could secure bargain deal