Liverpool could sign €70M midfield star in January following poor start - what a signing this could be

Liverpool could sign one of their star midfield targets that is rumoured to be available for around €70M in January, according to reports.

The Reds didn't invest in a long-term option in midfield this summer and settled for a last-ditch loan deal for Juventus' Arthur Melo, who joins for the season.

Now the latest reports are claiming that Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella, a former Liverpool target, could be available as soon as January, following their poor start to the season.

Fans would surely rejoice if the club was able to secure the services of one of the best U25 midfielders in Europe.

Latest reports on Barella

Inter Milan are reportedly 'considering' a January sale of rumoured Liverpool target Nicolo Barella.

Outlet CalcioMercatoWeb suggests the 25-year-old could be available for €70M when the transfer window reopens following the Serie A giants' disappointing start to the season.

Liverpool are in the market for a midfielder, but their only signing was a loan move for Arthur Melo on deadline day - it's clear their search will continue into the next couple of transfer windows.

The Reds have Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of contract in midfield next summer, meaning the conversation surrounding a new central midfielder will only intensify. Jude Bellingham is the star target, but Barella is a cheaper and more experienced option.

If Bellingham decides to go to another one of Europe's elite clubs then Barella becomes the best alternative.

They could also move for him in January with the hope of agreeing on a summer move ahead of time which they have done before with the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Luis Diaz and even Darwin Nunez.

Perfect for Liverpool

Liverpool's midfield has come under a lot of criticism so far this season with fans praying for a new midfield signing which didn't come until deadline day.

Even then, it was only a loan signing for the season, but we know that next summer could see Liverpool re-vitalise their midfield.

Barella, 25, is a highly-energetic and technically gifted midfielder and one who could instantly improve Liverpool's current midfield three.

The European Champion is a midfielder who can contribute going forward - which is something that the Reds currently lack.

He registers between the 95th-99th percentiles for touches in the opposition area, assists, shots total, npxG + xA, xG assisted and shot-creating actions.

This is why he won't be cheap; he's currently worth around £63M and earns around £153k-a-week.

Playing as an 'eight' in midfield will compliment the ball-playing, and possession abilities of Thiago and works well with Fabinho who monitors the defence.

Barella could easily be a cheaper Bellingham alternative or he could join the Englishman in a new-look Liverpool midfield which is surely the dream for fans.