Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing 24-year-old Italian international Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan.
According to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Inter Live, Nicolo Barella’s future at Inter Milan is not necessarily set in stone. The Italian champions are eager to tie him down to a new contract amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.
Nicolo Barella has come leaps and bounds since joining Inter Milan from Cagliari. Initially signed on loan by the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2019, the 24-year-old took no time to establish himself as a mainstay in the middle of the park under Antonio Conte, his move was made permanent last year.
Now a pivotal figure for club and country, Barella played a pivotal role as Italy triumphed at UEFA Euro 2020. As for his stint with Inter, the 24-year-old has turned out 96 times for the Serie A champions while chipping in with eight goals and 26 assists in the process. His progress has alerted a number of top clubs across Europe, with Liverpool and Manchester United hot on his trails.
Liverpool have been touted to be in the market for a midfielder ever since they chose not to bring in a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum in the summer transfer window. While Harvey Elliot did well to step up in the early stages of the season, the teenage prodigy is now set to miss a large chunk of the season.
With James Milner well into the final phase of his career and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain becoming surplus to requirements, it is clear that Liverpool can do with a midfielder, with Barella a viable target. Manchester United, on the other hand, are in a precarious situation over the future of Paul Pogba.
The French international is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and could be on his way out of the club as a free agent next summer. In addition, Donny van de Beek appears closer to the exit door at Manchester United, with Juventus among the clubs keen on signing the Dutchman.
With that in mind, Barella appears to be an option worth considering for Manchester United, who, along with Liverpool are set to make a move for the Italian international. However, the 24-year-old is intent on staying put at Inter Milan, although he is demanding a major hike in his pay with the new contract being offered to him.
All in all, it looks like Liverpool and Manchester United might have to set their sights elsewhere in search of a midfield reinforcement, with Barella likely to remain at San Siro.
