Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on Inter star Nicolo Barella as Liverpool plot big-money transfer

Liverpool are reportedly plotting a move to sign Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella - and manager Jurgen Klopp has already given his verdict on the player.

The Italy international played 90 minutes in Inter's 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg - taking them one step closer to the showpiece event in Istanbul.

Should the 26-year-old help his team to the final, he will hope to replicate the historic display that Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard produced 18 years ago to guide the Reds to their infamous comeback from 3-0 down to win the trophy.

Earlier this week, Gerrard was praised Barella whilst on punditry duty for BT Sport.

Speaking after Inter's 2-0 win in the San Siro, the ex-Reds midfielder spoke of the Italian's performance against England during a Euro 2024 qualifying match earlier this year.

He said: "He did really well against the England midfield - your Jude Bellingham's and your Declan Rice's. He's at a good age as well, coming into his prime."

Liverpool are said to be leading the race to sign the midfielder, and although Gazzetta dello Sport claim Inter have no plans to sell the player, Football Insider say a bid of £61 million could convince them to allow Barella to leave.

And Klopp has given his verdict on Barella ahead of a potential move.

Klopp gives Barella verdict

In February 2022, Liverpool defeated Inter 2-1 on aggregate in the last 16 of the Champions League, despite a 1-0 loss at Anfield in the second leg.

Barella had an impressive campaign for the Italian side, scoring three goals and providing 12 assists in 36 Serie A appearances.

But he was unavailable for both legs against Liverpool through suspension, which was a partial contributor to Inter being unable to surpass Klopp's side.

And when he was asked about Barella's absence prior to the first leg, the German gave a glowing tribute to the midfielder in response.

He said (quotes via OneFootball): "That Barella is not able to play is not bad for us. He's a really good player, a really good player, and I like him a lot.

"He has all the things you want from a midfield player: he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. That's a top-class player."

If Liverpool were to successfully complete the signing of Barella, therefore, it would be no surprise to see him to play a key role in Klopp's new-look midfield next season.