€70million lynchpin could offer Liverpool world class alternative to signing Aurelien Tchouameni - Bid made last season

Liverpool could switch their focus to Inter Milan star, Nicolo Barella, as they look set to miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni of Monaco, according to a report.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the France international but Real Madrid are well-placed to win the race for his signature.

PSG are also interested but Monaco seem very close to agreeing a deal with Madrid.

He is valued at £63million although Liverpool may be unwilling to pay such an exorbitant fee even if it is less than the €100million being demanded by Monaco for Tchouameni.

Last summer, Liverpool reportedly made a €70million bid.

Barella was vital for Italy at the EUROs and is one of the most important players for Inter Milan. Despite AC Milan beating them to the Scudetto, Barella shone.

He scored just 4 goals but he assisted 13. Liverpool are in dire need of a player able to add more firepower in the engine room.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is still the creative force in the Reds' side but Mohamed Salah proved this season that he's not just a goalscorer, he's also a world-class creator.

It's vital that if Sadio Mane leaves, Liverpool do not lose any other key players as Jurgen Klopp can recover from losing one vital member of his side but not more than that.

This summer will be the first time his core group of players is interrupted since Philippe Coutinho left in January of 2018.

The Brazilian brought in £142million while Mane could leave for as little as £25m.

It's going to be even more difficult to bounce back.