Liverpool 'favourites' to land Cagliari's Nicolo Barella

Liverpool are said to be the frontrunners to sign highly-rated Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sent scouts to watch the Italy Under-20 international play in his side's 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina at the weekend, talkSPORT reports.

However, Liverpool are understood to face competition for Barella's signature from Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus.

The 20-year-old, who is under contract at Cagliari until 2021, spent last year on-loan at third-tier Como.

Barella has represented Italy at various youth levels and featured in the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championships.