Liverpool target Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is one of Liverpool’s top targets to reinforce their midfield in the summer transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Liverpool have been tracking the Italian playmaker for a while now and have sent scouts to watch him in action for the Nerazzurri.

They could act on their interest next summer, with the club keen on a squad overhaul after an abysmal campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have slipped to eighth place in the Premier League table, having picked up just 35 points from 23 games.

Tuesday night’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to defending champions Real Madrid in the Champions League is further proof Klopp’s red machine may be due for an overhaul.

Liverpool’s primary target remains Borussia Dortmund’s young sensation Jude Bellingham. 

Although they are major contenders for the youngster’s signature, they could struggle to seal the deal with Madrid and Manchester City also interested.

Bellingham is reportedly open to a move to Anfield in the summer despite the club’s current struggles, but Dortmund’s valuation could prove too much for the Merseysiders.

Der BVB have not given up on keeping Bellingham, but the starlet is leaning towards a move away from Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund have reiterated they will accept nothing less than €150 million for their most valuable asset.

Barella has now emerged as a possible alternative to Bellingham. The Italy international is joined by Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Nunez and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo on Liverpool’s shortlist.

Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of Barella, having waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old’s technique and quality a few months ago.

Barella has racked up 165 appearances for the Nerazzurri since joining from Cagliari in 2020 and has notched up 17 goals and 41 assists in that span.

Inter will be reluctant to lose the player. However, the Serie A side are looking to balance their books and could be convinced to sell, especially if a huge offer comes in.