Liverpool are reportedly ahead of English rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella during this summer's transfer window.
The Italy international has been in impressive form at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
In Serie A, the midfielder has five goals and seven assists, with the Milan giants currently fourth in the table, two points clear of fifth-placed AC Milan.
Barella has also played an important role in Inter reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League, scoring three goals in 10 appearances in the European competition.
The 26-year-old was in strong form during the first leg of the semi-final against Milan earlier this week, playing the full 90 minutes of what proved to be a 2-0 victory for the Black and Blues.
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Barella's future is currently the subject of much speculation despite the fact that he has another three years left to run on his contract at San Siro.
Man United have been heavily linked with the Italian, as Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag looks to bring in another midfielder during this summer's transfer window.
However, according to Football Insider, Liverpool are at the head of the queue for his services this summer.
The report claims that Inter are determined to keep hold of Barella, but due to their financial problems, any offer in the region of £61m would likely lead to the midfielder being sold in the upcoming market.
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Liverpool are believed to have sent a scout to watch the midfielder in action against Lazio at the end of last month, with the Reds stepping up their interest ahead of the summer market.
Jurgen Klopp's side are expected to sign at least two central midfielders ahead of next season, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner all set to leave on free transfers.
The Merseyside giants, at one stage, were seen as the heavy favourites for Jude Bellingham but have since dropped their interest due to the cost of the deal, with the England international now seemingly on the verge of completing a move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool are still in with a chance of securing Champions League football for next season, sitting fifth in the Premier League table, just one point behind fourth-placed Man United, although Ten Hag's side also have a game in hand.
Matt Law
