Liverpool’s midfield recruitment campaign continues with Alexis Mac Allister already added and now Inter playmaker Nicolo Barella is under the eye of Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool acted quickly to strengthen their midfield ranks after several departures.
The likes of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all moved on and Alexis Mac Allister has arrived from Brighton for a fee of up to £55m. However, more reinforcements are needed after the Reds lost the Champions League.
A lack of creativity and intensity has been cited as a problem for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have continued to underperform.
There will be more new faces on the way, but the club operates within financial parameters which come with their own challenges. Italy’s Il Tempo say Liverpool are ready to break the bank for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, with whom they have been linked for several weeks.
The publication says the Reds are “directly targeting Barella” as they look to bolster their midfield ranks.
They failed to add anyone in the middle of the park last summer and they seem to be eyeing the Inter Milan playmaker who was instrumental in the Serie A side helping them win the Champions League – to reach the final.
Barella won’t be cheap, however, as Inter are looking for €80m, or around £68m, if he is to part ways with the Italian. That would be a big chunk of Liverpool’s summer budget as they have already added Mac Allister.
Thuram deal close
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of Khephren Thuram, according to Football Insider.
The Nice midfielder is looking to move to Anfield and the Merseysiders are pushing to secure an agreement with the French side.
Thuram has two years left on his deal, meaning Nice do not have to sell on the cheap, but they are likely to lose out if a major European side comes in.
Thuram himself though did, only recently, underline his happiness in Ligue 1: “I want to progress, go on the field, have fun. For now, I’m in Nice, it’s going very well, I really like the club, so I still see myself in Nice. I am very well in Nice.
“There are noises, I hear, but I am happy in Nice, I hope to grow with this club. I would like him (Didier Digard, his coach) to stay because he brought a lot to this group when he was in a difficult period. I don’t know if I tell him enough but he’s someone I can’t thank enough.”
Liverpool continue to be linked with Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga. but they haven’t submitted an offer yet. The Daily Mail claims the Reds will need to match the player’s £30m release clause if they are to secure the services of the Spanish U21 midfielder.
Viega’s impressive form last season the club survive relegation and attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
Celta recently appointed former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who will no doubt want to retain the highly thought of youngster. Chelsea too have been linked but as of yet, no offers appear to have been made.
