Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpool green light to sign 'top-class player' Nicolo Barella

Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpool the green light to sign Nicolo Barella, it has been claimed.

The Reds have parted ways with a contingent of players this summer, including James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita.

In turn, the Merseyside club have been tipped to undergo a major midfield rebuild this summer. Alexis Mac Allister joined from Brighton and Hove Albion last month, putting pen to paper on a contract until 2028 at Anfield.

But there has since been little to excite Liverpool fans in terms of transfer activity.

Yet, according to Italian outlet Il Tempo (via Daveockop), Liverpool are ready to offer €80million (£69million) for Nicola Barella.

The Italian international was a key player during Inter’s run to the final of the Champions League, while he claimed nine goals and ten assists in all competitions last term.

Klopp on Barella

Klopp already gave his verdict on Barella back in the 2021/22 campaign. The 26-year-old was at the time unavailable for both Champions League round of 16 legs against Liverpool through suspension, which was a partial contributor to Inter being unable to surpass Klopp's side.

And when the German was asked about Barella's absence ahead of the first leg, the Reds boss issued a glowing assessment of the midfielder.

He said 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."

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was full of praise for the Inter while on punditry for BT Sport.

Speaking after Inter’s 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg, Gerrard praised the Italian's performance against England months earlier during a Euro 2024 qualifying match.

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."