Liverpool 'suffer Nicolo Barella blow as Inter Milan line up new deal'

Inter Milan are reportedly preparing to offer Nicolo Barella a new contract until June 2026, while the Italy international could also be handed the captain's armband for next season.

The 24-year-old's future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, and Liverpool are believed to have recently contacted Inter to discuss the central midfielder.

Barella still has three years left to run on his current deal at San Siro, but according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian champions are preparing a new and improved contract until June 2026.

The report also claims that the Italian will be promised the captaincy at the club next season in order to convince him to turn down interest from the Premier League.

Barella has been in impressive form for Inter at the start of the 2021-22 campaign, scoring once and providing six assists in 10 appearances in all competitions.

Liverpool have still not signed a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum and are expected to be in the market for a new central midfielder either in January or at the end of the season.