Forget Salah: FSG can solve key LFC issue with bid for “top-class” gem loved by Klopp - opinion

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella recently, and the Italian could solve a long-term issue in Jurgen Klopp’s side should he make the move to Merseyside.

According to reports from Italy, the Reds manager is very keen on signing the 25-year-old this summer as he looks to add to his midfield options at Anfield.

The report suggests that Inter are unwilling to let him go as he is contracted at the San Siro for another four years, but Liverpool could offer an exchange to make the Serie A outfit lower their demands.

While tying down Mohamed Salah to a new contract was the news that many Liverpool fans were hoping for this summer, signing Barella would arguably be an even bigger deal for the club.

Klopp has already shown that he is casting an eye towards the future with the signings of Calvin Ramsay, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho, and one area in which the Reds need long-term solutions is midfield.

Thiago is 31, Jordan Henderson is 32 and James Milner is 36, so the German won’t be able to rely upon those options for much longer. Meanwhile, Naby Keita’s injury problems and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s potential departure threaten to leave the Reds short in midfield again next season.

Although they have Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones as potential options for the future, Barella is arguably at his peak right now and would offer an elite option in midfield next season, with his performances in Serie A in recent years emphasising his ability and consistency.

We have already seen Liverpool’s likely title rivals Manchester City on the brink of recruiting Kalvin Phillips as their long-term successor to Fernandinho, and the Reds arguably need to take the same approach if they are to compete