Liverpool 'interested in signing Inter's Barella' to strengthen their midfield

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly placed Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella at the top of his midfield wish-list.

It's no secret that the Reds are determined to strengthen their midfield this summer, given that it is an area of the pitch where they have struggled massively this season.

The Reds have long been linked with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, but they face fierce competition in the race for the England international from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Brighton star Moises Caicedo is also a target, but he has been linked with a number of top Premier League sides.

Now Italian outlet Calcio Mercato have reported that Barella is at the top of Klopp's list, along with Bellingham and Caicedo, to strengthen their midfield in the next transfer window.

Much like Bellingham and Caicedo, Liverpool could face competition in the race for Barella.

Chelsea are also interested in the 26-year-old - however, the Blues will be looking to raise money this summer given their £600m spending spree across the last two transfer windows.

It's expected that Barella would cost Liverpool around £65m - a hefty fee, though potentially cheaper than what they could sign Bellingham or Caicedo for.

Dortmund's valuation of Bellingham is likely to be well over £100m, while Brighton rejected a £70m offer from Arsenal for Caicedo in January.

Barella is happy with life at the San Siro and is contracted there until 2026. Though Inter could be forced to sell if a big offer comes in for their midfielder.

Liverpool are set to lose midfielders Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, with James Milner's future also not guaranteed.

Jordan Henderson and in particular, Fabinho, have seen a decline in their own form, while Thiago Alcantara is now 31 and has struggled with injuries.

This has played a big part as to why Liverpool have slumped from a team challenging for the quadruple last year, to one which looks unlikely to qualify for the Champions League this term.

Their 2-2 draw with Arsenal has left them 12 points off the top four with nine games left to play.