According to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Liverpool is aware of the prospective move of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, which will cost more than £50 million.
The Italy international has shone at the San Siro and it makes sense that Liverpool would be keen on him as someone who could improve on their current options in that area of their squad.
However, it seems that for the time being Liverpool are focusing instead on Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone as priority targets in the middle of the park, according to Romano, who has made it clear that Barella does not seem to be available.
“Liverpool are informed on the Nicolo Barella situation. They are aware that Inter Milan in principle want to keep Barella and have no intention to let him go,” Romano said.
“The recently reported £50m fee is absolutely not enough to get Barella. In case this stance would change later in the window, Liverpool keep appreciating Barella, but their focus now is also on Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone as priorities in midfield.”
LFC have already signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton this summer, but one imagines they could do with one or two more similar players after the exits of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all of whom were out of contract this summer.
Liverpool transfer news as £114m price revealed for Manu Kone and Nicolo Barella double deal
In order to give Liverpool supporters something to cheer about next season, Jurgen Klopp is on a mission. But the Reds manager is aware that his team requires new reinforcements.
Liverpool’s fifth-place performance in the previous campaign prevented them from qualifying for the Champions League. But once the new seasons begin in August, they will aim for a Premier League title drive with the addition of fresh players.
Alexis Mac Allister, a big target of Klopp’s, has already joined his team from Brighton & Hove Albion in a transaction that cost less than £35 million. The German has since turned his attention to other recruits.
One of the main targets is reportedly nice star Khephren Thuram. Many more players, though, have been mentioned in connection with a move to Anfield.
Manu Kone
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Borussia Monchengladbach want Liverpool to submit an offer for France Under-21 international Manu Kone, according to SportBILD’s Christian Falk. Falk believes a fee of around £34m could secure the services of the midfielder as Klopp eyes further reinforcements in the middle of the pitch.
“In the case of Manu Kone, Gladbach want over €40million (£34.2m) for the midfielder and are still hoping for an offer from Liverpool,” Falk said. “Paris Saint-Germain can still be considered as an interested party, whilst Aston Villa and Wolves currently have an outside chance of securing a deal.”
Nicolo Barella
When it was revealed last week that Newcastle United had set their sights on signing Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella for a fee of £50 million, it came as a huge shock. However, that information was quickly disregarded because the Champions League winners would demand a lot more money.
Liverpool is thought to be monitoring the situation at Inter and has also been linked with a move for the Italian star. Fichajes has nevertheless disclosed that Barella would have to be purchased for about £80 million.
Micky van de Ven
It’s not just midfield additions Liverpool are looking at as they reportedly pursue Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven. However, the Reds face competition from Bayern Munich.
As with Kim Min-jae, the Bundesliga winners must battle with Premier League opposition because Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven is desired by both Bayern Munich and Liverpool, according to another article by Falk regarding the Van de Ven scenario.
The Reds have a little advantage because van de Ven was acquired by Wolfsburg from FC Volendam in 2021 for under €3.5 million thanks to Jorg Schmadtke, their new sporting director. The 22-year-old’s current market value is €18 million, and he is under contract with Wolfsburg till the end of 2027 without an out. Schmadtke is the expert.