In addition to their Premier League match on Sunday, Liverpool and Manchester City also seem to be competing in the transfer market.

Liverpool may be interested in elite midfielder Nico Barella, according to an Italian report from Il Secolo XIX that Inter News 24 quoted. However, it is unclear if the Reds are actually considering making a move.

Liverpool is unlikely to be making any transfers at this time until a new manager is named, given Jurgen Klopp is leaving and a replacement has not yet been announced.

Nevertheless, Il Secolo XIX assert that a “big Premier League team is prepared to “present a pharaonic bid” to Inter Milan for Barella, which could potentially include Manchester and Liverpool.

If Google is right when it says that Liverpool is about to make a pharaonic bid, then it would be something to look at.

The much more likely conclusion is that City is attempting to lure Barella to the Premier League with a significant financial gamble.

The article continues by stating that Inter is “intensifying their efforts” to hold onto Barella and keep him from moving to England.

A cursory glance at the Italian midfielder’s Fbref charts shows the stats that justify Barella’s widespread admiration in Europe.

Barella’s number of progressive passes made each game is in the 95th percentile when compared to all midfielders in the top five leagues in Europe.

The 27-year-old averages 8.46 plays of 10 yards towards goal every 90 minutes. His passing is just amazing; according to Sofascore, he completes passes at an 86% rate and averages 1.1 crucial passes every game.

Barella is 5 feet 7 inches tall, but he still prevails 67% of the time in aerial combat, which is very significant in the Premier League.