Man Utd and Tottenham ‘crazy’ about midfield signing that’ll deliver dagger to separate Liverpool deal
Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea are all ‘crazy’ on the idea of signing a Barcelona midfielder whose move could inadvertently torpedo a separate Liverpool deal for a world class midfielder, per reports.
A midfield overhaul is expected at Anfield this summer, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham Liverpool’s primary target.
However, with Arthur Melo, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing, multiple additions will be required.
An elite-level star on the Reds’ radar is Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan. Indeed, Liverpool have ramped up their scouting efforts on the 26-year-old Italy international in 2023.
Jamie Carragher recently detailed the exact reasons why Barella would be perfect for a Jurgen Klopp midfield.
Inter are known to be in need of raising around €60m to help balance the books in the first month of the summer window. Selling Barella – who’s valued anywhere between €70m-€100m depending on whose report you read – would solve their cashflow problem in one fell swoop.
Adding fuel to the Barella fire was Corriere dello Sport’s claim Inter are preparing for life after Barella. The Italian outlet reported Barcelona’s Franck Kessie is the man they want to succeed Barella if a sale is reluctantly sanctioned.
However, news from Spain has brought a blow to Liverpool’s hopes on signing Barella. That’s because Mundo Deportivo report Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea are all ‘crazy’ about signing the player Inter want as his replacement – Franck Kessie.
Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham can foil Liverpool plans
Mundo state the three English heavyweights are all knocking on Barcelona’s door. The hope is Barcelona’s well-documented financial strife will lead them to cashing in and making a quick buck on a player they signed for free last summer.
Kessie is well known to Tottenham boss Antonio Conte through his time at Inter. Kessie was among cross-city rivals AC Milan’s leading lights during Conte’s last spell in the city.
Man Utd remain keen on finally signing Frenkie de Jong, though Fabrizio Romano recently stressed the Dutchman has not softened his stance on the idea of leaving Barca. Kessie is viewed as a viable alternative by Erik ten Hag to shore up his midfield depth.
Chelsea too have a plan in mind for Kessie, though it would go by the wayside if N’Golo Kante signs a new contract. Kessie is viewed as a viable successor to Kante if he walks. If he stays, there’ll be no need to sign Kessie.
In any case, if one of the three are able to pull off a Kessie coup, Liverpool’s chances of signing Barella would diminish.
Of course, Inter could simply move for an alternative, though Mundo reiterate Kessie is by far and a way Inter’s primary focus in central midfield this summer.
TRANSFER GOSSIP: Man Utd to blow rivals away after emerging as serious contenders to sign generational £110m talent; top Serie A duo want £20m Chelsea man
