Klopp hell-bent on securing Liverpool midfielder deal to put Bellingham transfer in doubt as Serie A side set new price
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has seemingly replaced Jude Bellingham as his No 1 transfer target this summer after learning of the new fee required to secure the midfielder now at the top of his wishlist.
The Reds have suffered something of a season to forget during 2022/23. After losing their grip on both domestic cups, they are also on the brink of crashing out of the Champions League at the first knockout stages. To make matters worse, they currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of fourth.
And while Liverpool cannot be altogether ruled out of finishing in the top four, it would take a serious run of form to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.
As a result of their decline, speculation has suggested Jurgen Klopp could be replaced as Liverpool manager this summer. And with a respected German coach tipped as his potential successor, the Reds boss has issued an emphatic response.
To all intents and purposes, it would come as a major surprise if Klopp were not Liverpool boss next season.
However, in order to reclaim their place back among the elite, Klopp knows his squad needs a major rebuild this summer.
As a starting point, pundit Danny Murphy has suggested six players need phasing out once the season ends.
Klopp’s biggest challenge is in securing new faces to Liverpool’s midfield. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and potentially James Milner could all leave this summer.
As a result, Klopp will be looking to bring in at least two new signings in that department.
For long periods, Bellingham has long been established as the Reds’ No 1 target.
Liverpool fix focus on Nicolo Barella
However, a whopping new £132m (€150m) asking price means Bellingham may well prove above and beyond Liverpool’s means.
And while FSG are willing to back Liverpool’s rebuild, it would come as no shock were they to decide Bellingham is just too costly.
As a result, Klopp and Co are studying a number of alternative options, with Inter’s Nicolo Barella since emerging as a top target.
The Italy midfielder has long been on Klopp’s radar, but rarely seemed enough of a priority for Liverpool to fully focus on.
All that though looks about to change.
Reports in the Italian media claims Klopp is ready to go full steam ahead to bring Barella to Anfield.
To that end, Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Liverpool are looking to grease the transfer wheels by offering a struggling Reds star in part exchange.
However, InterLive claims Klopp’s offer has been waved away with Inter only interested in a cash only deal.
And the Italian outlet claims the Nerazzurri are setting their sights high by demanding a £88m (€100m) fee.
However, that does not appear to be putting Liverpool off. Now reports claim Klopp and Co are seemingly hell-bent on securing the deal.
And it’s reported that Klopp is convinced that Barella has the credentials required to succeed in the Premier League.
Indeed, his form for Inter this season has been excellent. The 42-times capped Italy man has already contributed to 13 goals this season. Barella has six goals and seven assists to his name so far after another excellent season.
No other Liverpool midfielder gets close to those numbers, meaning he looks an instant upgrade on their current options.
READ MORE: Disastrous Liverpool signing crossed off suitor’s wishlist after recent approach, with move ‘totally’ ruled out
The article Klopp hell-bent on securing Liverpool midfielder deal to put Bellingham transfer in doubt as Serie A side set new price appeared first on Teamtalk.com.
