Italy star Nicolo Barella will not push for a transfer to Liverpool from Inter Milan this summer - according to a fresh report - even though Jurgen Klopp is such a vocal admirer of him.
Despite helping Inter to the Champions League showpiece last season, speculation over Barella and his immediate future at the San Siro continues to gather pace. Liverpool are among those reportedly interested, amid suggestions they will bid £77m for Barella to help boost their engine room.
However, after shelving plans to target Jude Bellingham due to the costs involved, such a huge outlay looks extremely unlikely, with Liverpool monitoring the likes of Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Ryan Gravenberch. Still, when speaking about Barella, previously, Klopp waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old as he continues to keep Manchester United and Newcastle on red alert.
Assessing his attributes, Klopp said: "He's a really good player. He's a really good player and I like him a lot. He has all the things you want from any midfield player - he's aggressive, he's technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. A top-class player."
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Bombshell reports from The Telegraph last week suggested Newcastle were closing-in on a £50m transfer for the Euro 2020 winner. However, moving on, those claims appear to have been wide of the mark, and Inter are thought to be holding out for nearer to €80m if they even sanction a sale.
Liverpool have been credited - in several publications - with preparing a £77m offer.
However, follow-up reports from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have, seemingly, dashed any hopes by stating Barella is 'taking no notice' when it comes to rumours, and he's intent on staying put at the San Siro instead. It adds figures behind the scenes would be 'open' to selling him at the right price.
But the crux of the article is Barella remains 'unmoved' and would prefer to continue with Inter.
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