Klopp battling former club Dortmund for €50m Serie A sensation

Oli Fisher

Reports in Italy claim that Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign a young Cagliari star.

Sardinia based daily La Nuova Sardegna suggest that the race for Nicolo Barella has two new suitors, with BVB rivalling Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The 21-year-old has been impressive for Cagliari so far this season, and his performances have started to attract admiring glances from some of Europe’s top side.

In 26 Serie A appearances so far this season, Barella has scored five times and amassed one assist. The likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus are also said to be after the Italy Under-21 star.

The midfielder has been compared to Roma star Radja Nainggolan, and according to the Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini, it would take a bid of around €50million (£44.6million) to persuade him to consider the departure of the player.

Giulini said: “For us, Nicolo is a modern midfielder and could be worth as much as €50million. He can play in any role.

“We think that Barella can become as good as anyone in his position, though his growth is not yet complete.”

 

Want news and features on the Reds on your Facebook timeline? Like our dedicated Liverpool page.