Liverpool lead Man City in race for €100m-rated midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool are showing strong interest in signing Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella ahead of Manchester City, a report has claimed.

City are expected to continue their rebuild of an ageing midfield core this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne's departure set to free up significant wages which can be reinvested in another big name. Liverpool, meanwhile, are working to improve and prepare for what will almost certainly be a defence of their Premier League crown next season.

With both teams braced for significant outlays this summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport talk up potential moves for Barella, who is enjoying yet another sensational campaign at the heart of the Serie A leaders' midfield.

City boss Pep Guardiola is a known admirer and is reported to be interested in luring Barella over to the Premier League this summer, but it is Liverpool whose desire to sign the Italy international is said to be strongest as it stands.

Any deal to sign Barella would have to be huge in value. Inter are said to be demanding over €100m (£86.5m) to sign the 28-year-old, who inked a new five-year contract last summer to tie himself to the club until 2029.

There is also competition from Saudi Arabia, where Al Hilal are ready to do "crazy things" to sign Barella. A contract worth €35m (£30.3m) per season is on the table, but the midfielder is not thought to be keen.

Indeed, Barella's interest in leaving Inter is almost zero. He is loving life with the Nerazzurri and is already planning to reject any proposals sent his way this summer.

Barella recognises the platform given to him to continue growing at Inter and has set his sights firmly on leading the team to Champions League glory. Simone Inzaghi's side face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final tie looking to defend a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg.