Liverpool are ready to battle Real Madrid for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to Italian media outlet Calciomercato.

Barella has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy since bursting onto the scenes at Cagliari before moving to Inter Milan in 2019

The 25-year-old enjoyed another excellent season at Inter, contributing to 17 goals in 48 appearances for the Italian giants.

The report went on to say that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the midfielder and is “bewitched” by the 25-year-old, who is valued at around £77million. 

The report also claimed Liverpool are ready to include Naby Keita as part of a deal for the Inter Milan midfielder.

Real Madrid are also interested in signing the 25 year old Inter Milan midfielder.

Additionally, it has been claimed that Real Madrid are prepared to offer two players in a swap deal for Barella.

The two players being offered are apparently centre-back Nacho Fernandes and midfielder Dani Ceballos.

However, Real Madrid aren’t willing to sign the Italian midfielder this summer after spending £85m in a deal to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, who was also linked with Liverpool.

Despite the rumours linking Liverpool with Barella, it is expected Liverpool will conclude their incoming summer business with the arrival of Calvin Ramsay.

So Liverpool and Real Madrid will most likely battle for the signature of Barella in the summer of 2023.

Barella is currently contracted until the summer of 2026, meaning Real Madrid and Liverpool would likely have to break the bank to secure a move for the midfielder this summer.

The Italian international has become a regular in his national team set-up, starring as his country won Euro 2020 last summer.

He has now managed 39 caps for the Azzurri and 135 appearances in three seasons for Inter.