Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella - and manager Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on the player.
The Italy international played the full 90 minutes of Inter's 2-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final to bring them closer to the epic 'Istanbul' event.
If the 26-year-old helps his side reach the final, he will be hoping to repeat the historic performance that Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard produced 18 years ago to lead the Reds to a comeback 3- 0 to win the trophy.
Earlier this week, Gerrard was praised by Barella while on duty for BT Sport.
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Speaking after Inter's 2-0 win at the San Siro, the former Red Devils midfielder opened up about the Italy international's performance against England in Euro 2024 plus earlier this year. I said:
"He played really well against England midfielder - your Jude Bellingham and your Declan Rice. He's also at a good age, in his prime."
Liverpool are believed to be leading the race to sign the midfielder, and although Gazzetta dello Sport claim Inter have no intention of selling the player, Football Insider insists a £61m offer could be could convince them to let Barella go.
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And Klopp delivered his verdict on Barella ahead of a possible move.
Klopp judges Barella
In February 2022, Liverpool beat Inter 2-1 on aggregate in the Champions League Round of 16, despite losing 0-1 at Anfield in the second leg.
Barella has had an impressive season for the Italian side, scoring three goals and providing 12 assists in 36 Serie A appearances. Advertisement
But he was absent from both matches against Liverpool due to suspension, which contributed to Inter's inability to outperform Klopp's army.
And when asked about Barella's absence ahead of the first leg, the German gave the midfielder a hearty tribute in response.
He said (quoted via OneFootball):
"The fact that Barella cannot play is not a bad thing for us. He is a very good player, a very good player and I like him very much.
“He has everything you would expect from a midfielder:
he's aggressive, he's technical, he can run for hours and all that. He's a top player."
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Should Liverpool succeed in signing Barella, it wouldn't be surprising to see him play a key role in Klopp's new midfield next season.
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