Liverpool are interested in signing Nicolo Barella in a swap deal with Naby Keita this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour from Italy.

The Lowdown: Barella a top midfielder

The 25-year-old has matured into one of the best midfielders in Serie A, producing consistently influential performances for Inter Milan.

Barella started 36 of his side's 38 league games last season, scoring three times and registering a hugely impressive 12 assists, highlighting his quality as he stood out as a top five players in the squad, per Whoscored.

The Inter man also tasted Euro 2020 glory with Italy last summer, drawing immense praise for his performance in the competition, and he is now being linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Latest: Reds linked with move

According to Calciomercato, the Reds are willing to offer Keita in exchange for Barella this summer, with Jurgen Klopp unable to pay the straight-up £77million that Inter want for his services.

The Liverpool manager is thought to be 'bewitched' by the Italian's performance for Inter and wants to sign him 'at all costs'.

The Verdict: What a signing he would be

Barella would be an outstanding signing for Liverpool, bringing so much natural ability to the midfield as he comes into the prime years of his career.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig had this to say last year: "Stamina, passion and determination combined with great technical skills. One of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world and he'll get even better. Barella is awesome."

Indeed, he is far more than just a luxury midfielder with technical qualities, averaging 1.8 tackles per game in the league last season, which would rank him fourth in the Liverpool squad.

Dubbed 'really good' by Klopp, who said he likes the Italian 'a lot' because he 'can run for ages', this certainly feels like a deal worth exploring given Keita's extensive injury record.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an interesting Liverpool tactical claim. Read more here.