Liverpool, Leicester on alert as Italians name price for red-hot forward

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Sassuolo have reportedly named their price for Domenico Berardi, with Liverpool and Leicester City among many clubs interested in the forward.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a superb season for I Neroverdi, scoring 17 goals in 30 appearances. But he is much more than a goal scorer, with eights assists to his name. And that side of his game has come to the fore at Euro 2020, with the winger tormenting defenders from out wide.

His cross led to an own goal as Italy beat Turkey 3-0. And he also set up Manuel Locatelli for the Azzurri’s opening goal in a 3-0 triumph over Switzerland.

His displays for Roberto Mancini’s side may well have nudged his price tag up a little. Berardi has played his entire professional career with Sassuolo after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2012.

He has racked up 291 appearances in all competitions, scoring 105 goals. And Arsenal were said to be monitoring his progress back in March this year.

But in the summer of 2019 he admitted that Liverpool would be his preferred destination if he did leave Mapei Stadium. It is surprising that he has not been snapped up before but it may well happen before the start of 2021-2022.

Any interested club will reportedly have to fork out €40m if they want to get a deal over the line. That is according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, with Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali confirming he wants to move on.

Options open for Berardi

Liverpool are said to have entered the picture for the talented forward while the Foxes are also keen. Tottenham have been mentioned in connection with the Italian while AC Milan and Lazio are also thought to be in the mix.

June 28 Transfer Chatter - Manchester United begin French midfielder talks, England starlet's new contract and Manchester City to move for Barcelona forward.

June 28 Transfer Chatter - Manchester United begin French midfielder talks, England starlet's new contract and Manchester City to move for Barcelona forward.

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It is a strong position for Sassuolo to be in, especially as Berardi is under contract until the summer of 2024. Reds chief Jurgen Klopp is looking to freshen things up this summer after a poor defence of their title.

Things went wrong around the turn of the year as their title charge capitulated. They did manage to rally and qualify for the Champions League but the German knows he needs new faces to continue their progress.

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There are doubts over the future of Mohamed Salah and the signing of Berardi would certainly excite the Anfield fans. He is coming into his prime as a player and the time is surely right for a big club to pounce.

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