Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur show interest in Liverpool target Nicolo Barella
Liverpool could face a blow in their pursuit of Nicolo Barella, with rivals Tottenham Hotspur also showing interest in the 25-year-old.
This is according to Diretta Goal (h/t Liverpool Echo), who claim that Spurs are interested in signing the midfielder in the future. They do not, however, tell if they will make a move in January or next summer.
Antonio Conte is said to be a big admirer of the central midfielder, having managed the Italian international during his stint with Inter Milan. It is claimed that he has requested his current employers to bring the player to north London.
Barella has been linked with the Reds ever since the start of the summer transfer window. Despite numerous reports and rumours, no move materialised between the player and the club.
Instead, Jurgen Klopp signed Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan on deadline day. He could be considered a short-term fix to a long-term problem.
James Milner and Jordan Henderson are on the wrong side of their 30s while Thiago Alcantara is also reaching there. The rest of the midfield is injury prone and cannot be relied upon every time. A long-term fix is needed and Barella fits such a bill perfectly.
Klopp knows that a midfielder is needed as Barella is not the only option that has been linked with the Merseyside club. Jude Bellingham, Douglas Luiz, Moises Caicedo and Konrad Laimer are some of the midfielders linked with the club.
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It remains to be seen if the Reds consider making a move for Barella in the January window. Fans will hope that if the Italian star moves to England, he does so for Liverpool.