Man Utd 'to rival Liverpool' for Nicolo Barella as Old Trafford 'phone calls' revealed

Manchester United are set to rival Liverpool for the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to reports in Italy.

Barella, 26, is being strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer after playing a key role in Inter's run to the Champions League final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.

Barella made 52 appearances in all competitions for Inter last season, scoring nine times and providing 10 assists.

The midfielder is also a key player for Italy, having scored eight goals in 45 appearances for his national side.

Liverpool are reportedly considering a bid for the Barella but could face competition for his signature.

United 'contact Inter over Barella'

Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claim Manchester United and Newcastle are also interested in the Italian.

United are said to be seen as a 'far more attractive' destination for Barella than Newcastle.

It is claimed that United have already made an initial approach for the midfielder, with 'interested phone calls' made to Inter from Old Trafford.

The report adds that the ears of Barella's agent, Alessandro Beltrami, are 'inevitably pricked towards the Premier League'.

Inter are reluctant to sell one of their star players and will seek more than €80m (£68.8m) for him this summer.

United are in the market for a new midfielder and are believed to be considering a player-plus-cash deal for West Ham captain Declan Rice, which could see Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay head to the London stadium.

However, Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested in signing Rice.

The Gunners have had two bids - the latest worth £90m - rejected for the England international, while City are expected to submit their own bid on Thursday, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

With Rice potentially out of reach, United could turn their full attention to Barella. Watch this space.