23 June 2023 , 00:00
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Nicolo Barella looks set to turn down a move to Liverpool after being made aware of Jurgen Klopp’s interest.
The Italian has emerged as a potential contender for a move to Anfield this summer. The Reds are keen to bolster their midfield options after a host of exits at the end of the season.
Barella could potentially be an ideal candidate to join the club’s first summer signing Alexis Mac Allister in arriving at Anfield. He has played a starring role for Inter Milan over the past few seasons - his excellent performances helping the Serie A giants to the league title in 2021 and to a place in the Champions League final.
Despite that, the Reds’ attempts to sign Barella appear set to end in frustration at this stage. According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the midfielder has been told about Klopp’s interest in taking him to Anfield this summer.
However, he has responded by making no attempt to force an exit from the San Siro. The 26-year-old - signed from Cagliari initially on-loan back in 2019 - still has three years left to run on his Inter Milan contract.
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Since then, the 44-time Italian international has gone on to make 187 appearances for the club in all competitions - his most prolific campaign in front of goal coming last season. The news over his commitment to Inter will no doubt disappoint Klopp and a couple of Liverpool legends.
Nicolo Barella has emerged as a midfield target for Liverpool (Getty Images)Would Nicolo Barella be a good signing for Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Steven Gerrard previously revealed his admiration for Barella. The former midfielder said: “I watched him [Barella] against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game.
“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."
It also appears that former teammate Jamie Carragher is a big fan of the midfielder and suggested that he could be playing his football on English shores sooner rather than later.
"I think he's probably one of the best in Europe playing in that tucked in, right-sided central midfield position,” he said. “He's box-to-box and gets goals from there.
"We saw how outstanding he was for his national team in winning the European Championships. He's a player who can open things up, he gets in there, but that inside right position now is so important in football and can you make runs from that position? He makes runs ahead of the striker and he's a huge goal threat.
"Any top team needs to have goals from midfield. It'll be really interesting if he actually stays at Inter, but you think one day would he go the Premier League - or maybe one of the Spanish giants - because I certainly think he has the ability to do so."