Liverpool are interested in a deal for Inter Milan maestro Nicolo Barella, who could be manager Jurgen Klopp's perfect replacement for Thiago Alcantara...

What's the latest on Barella to Liverpool?

Klopp was keen on bringing the Italian midfielder to Anfield last summer, but a move failed to materialise, with Liverpool's only signing to bolster the centre of the park the loan deal for Arthur.

And now, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the Reds have placed the playmaker at the top of their summer wishlist, following a woeful campaign that has seen stability and cohesion fall by the wayside.

The mounting speculation has left placing a €75m (£66m) price tag on the 26-year-old, who has also attracted the attention of Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte this season.

Is Barella the dream Thiago heir?

Liverpool's issues in midfield have been well-documented this year, with the once unrelenting storm at the heart of Klopp's system now closer to resembling a light drizzle.

And while the distinguished Thiago Alcantara has not been the worst of the culprits, he is certainly not providing the energy and flair that many will have expected him to do this term, given his stature.

The Spaniard turns 32 in April, and once again his fitness levels have failed him somewhat this season, having missed six matches and out injured for the next few weeks at least - in fact missing a total of 50 matches for the club since signing for Bayern Munich for £25m in 2020.

In Barella, who has scored six goals and served seven assists from 31 appearances this year, Klopp would wield a more vibrant and youthful cog to rekindle the flame that has dwindled, and valued at £71m by CIES Football Observatory, he is evidently a gem that could make an emphatic impact on the collective efforts of the Reds' team and he could be the "perfect" addition, as remarked by David Thompson.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for goals, 5% for assists, 7% for shot-creating actions and 7% for progressive carries per 90, illustrating a forward-thinking prowess and a transitional nature in pumping an added dimension into his team's endeavours.

And listed as a comparative player to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric and Martin Odegaad, he can certainly provide an edge to the Merseyside squad and bolster the ranks ahead of the new campaign.

Lauded as a "warrior" Arrigo Sacchi, his combative and unflinching nature could pay dividends for Klopp, enriching his central engine and unearthing vigour once more.

And with the £200k-per-week Thiago out of contract at the end of next season, the time might be right for the powers that be at Anfield to ruthlessly sever ties with the old and usher in the new.

There is no questioning Thiago's ball-playing prowess, but given his track record in the medical department, age, and looming contractual expiry, it might be that Klopp has to kiss goodbye to his maestro and forge a deal for someone of Barella's ilk.

It might just return Liverpool to their former imperious verve.