Inter Milan planning new contract for Liverpool transfer target Nicolo Barella
According to Calciomercato (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan. The Italian midfielder has been linked with the top European clubs along with Liverpool. However, in a bid to fend off outside interest for the midfielder, the Italian giants are now trying to tie down the player on a new deal.
The Nerazzurri are planning to bump the player’s salary from £2.1m to £3.4m a year. They are also preparing to name him as the captain of the club after the goalkeeper, Samir Handanovic leaves the club. Barella has been a key player for club and country and Inter Milan are aware of the interest that surrounds their prized midfielder.
The 24-year Italian midfielder was instrumental in winning the Serie A last season, in which he appeared a total of 36 times, scoring 3 goals and providing 9 assists for the team. This was followed by Euros 2020 triumph with the Italian National team under Pablo Manchini.
Barella has a contract that runs up until 2024, but the interest towards the player has forced Inter Milan’s hand in providing the player with a new deal. Which could potentially tie the player for a long future at the club. Inter Milan however, after winning the Serie A title last season, lost their striker Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea and their head coach Antonio Conte also stepped down from his post.
Liverpool could still be hopeful of trying to get the player next window as he is not yet tied to a new contract. The Reds were relatively quiet throughout the summer window and made the only signing of Ibrahim Konate from RB Leipzig. In their bid to ante up their transfer activity, the Premier League giants have started considering potential options to get hold of in the upcoming windows.
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The Merseyside club will be back in the Premier League action against Leeds United at Elland Road. The Reds will be hoping to get a positive result as they are in contention to win the Premier League title this season.
