Liverpool are the frontrunners to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Reds are planning to sign multiple midfielders this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to overhaul his squad, and the 26-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Merseyside club.

Barella’s contract with Inter runs until 2026, but the Italian giants are aware of his desire to leave and have placed a £61million price tag on a move.

Italian sources have claimed that Barella is set to leave Inter this summer to pursue a new footballing project and that the midfielder is on Liverpool’s radar.

It is now understood that Inter are preparing to let Barella go this summer and are planning to be without him for the 2023/24 campaign.

Liverpool and Man United have both been linked with a move, but Jurgen Klopp’s side are considered frontrunners after monitoring Barella throughout the season.

The Reds sent a senior scout to watch Barella in action on April 30 during Inter’s clash against Lazio.

Football Insider sources revealed in April that Barella is among a five-player midfield shortlist at Liverpool alongside Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Alexis Mac Allister.

Barella has been a first-team regular under Simone Inzaghi this season, playing 3,501 minutes in 45 appearances across all competitions.

He has scored eight goals and registered nine assists in 2022/23 to help Inter into the top four spots in Serie A as well as the Champions League semi-finals.

In other news, Liverpool could now bank a £58m jackpot after new development

It’s been an intriguing season for both Liverpool and Man United in 2022/23, though it’s reasonably clear that both Premier League giants will need to strengthen their squads during the summer.

There are various areas of both squads that need to be addressed, with the Red Devils arguably looking for a replacement for Harry Maguire as a matter of priority.

To that end, news that Ajax star, Jurrien Timber, has all but issued a come-and-get-me plea, will be music to the ears of former manager of the club and now Man United chief, Erik ten Hag.

Jurgen Klopp will likely be keeping a watching brief on developments too, given that Vandaag Inside note via Dutch TV show Veronica Inside that Timber’s girlfriend is already house hunting in Liverpool.

Jurrien Timber in action for Ajax

“For me it is the same situation as last season. If I say: I’m leaving, it has to fit,” Timber said to Ziggy Sport, quoted by Voetbal Primeur.

“Playing style is important, playing minutes… Participating in the prizes is also important. My favorite country? I dare not say that.

“That’s why I’m doing the same as last season. The chance is there, it can happen, but I’m also good here. I’m still young and everything suits me here. I’m going to take a look.”

Given that the player can also operate at right-back, he presents an interesting proposition for either team.

From a Liverpool perspective, his hire would allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to play in the midfield role that he’s been excelling in of late.

It would also see him line up alongside countryman, Virgil van Dijk, which could well be a potential ace that the Anfield outfit hold over their north east rivals.

That said, ten Hag’s own background in the Dutch league and subsequent move to Old Trafford could swing things in United’s favour.