Liverpool ‘appreciates’ ex-Newcastle target; Romano reveals asking price amid ‘difficult’ talks
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are interested in Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella, but the Italian club want “way more” than £50million.
Barella played a huge part in Inter’s route to the 2023 Champions League final and is being targeted by the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp needs to completely rebuild his midfield and has already got the process underway by signing Alexis Mac Allister for a very respectable £35m.
Several midfielders have been linked with a move to Anfield, including Barella, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone.
Jude Bellingham was originally the club’s number-one target, but they pulled out over fears he would be too expensive. The England teenager has since signed for Real Madrid.
READ MORE: Mac Allister and Chelsea duo feature in Liverpool’s ten best alternatives to Jude Bellingham
Barella is one of the best alternatives out there and will probably be open to a move to Anfield, although he will be able to play in the Champions League with his current club, but not with Liverpool.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Barella is “appreciated” by the Reds, though Inter want more than £50m for their star midfielder.
He told GiveMeSport: “The reported fee of £50million for Barella is not going to be enough for any club to sign him. Inter want way more than this and it is not going to be an easy negotiation in any case.
“For Liverpool, he is appreciated yes, but they are not sure yet that this is the kind of player they need.
“Let’s see in the next days or weeks.”
Newcastle United have also held an interest in Barella but are now unlikely to actively pursue the player with a deal to sign AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali now in place.
A report from The Telegraph said Newcastle were ‘closing in’ on the signing of the Italian international, though he appears to have been a mere smokescreen for his international teammate.
Romano has said ‘here we go’ for Tonali to the Magpies, and the player’s agent has also confirmed his client will be moving to St James’ Park.
Giuseppe Riso said the deal was “difficult to reject” and says the finances will really help Milan and Tonali’s former team Brescia, who have a sell-on clause from their deal to sell the 23-year-old to the Rossoneri.
“It’s difficult to reject a huge bid for the club and the player,” Tonali’s agent said.
“We agreed all terms for Tonali with Newcastle and the two clubs are finalising the deal.
“The contract with Newcastle will be valid for the next six years.”
“This is an excellent deal, Newcastle is the perfect project for Tonali.
“Newcastle wanted Sandro as a key signing at all costs.
“He will be a crucial player for the Magpies. This deal also helps AC Milan and Brescia’s [Tonali’s former club] finances a lot”.
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