Liverpool & Tottenham tracking Inter's Nicolo Barella

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are both keeping a close eye on Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella ahead of possible bids.

Barella, who joined Inter permanently from Cagliari last summer, has been one of Antonio Conte's top performers this season, failing to start just four of Inter's 25 games in all competitions, and he played a starring role in their recent 2-0 win over Juventus.

The 23-year-old walked away from the Derby d'Italia with a goal and an assist, and according to Calciomercato, that form has caught the eye of both Liverpool and Spurs.

That's the extent of the report. There's no mention of a price tag or any other details, so the this all needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but if we play along for a second, a move for Barella does actually make some sense for these clubs.

Liverpool may find themselves needing to replace Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season. Jurgen Klopp relies heavily on Wijnaldum and would likely want a ready-made replacement if he does go.

For Spurs, this could link to the future of Dele Alli. It's thought that Jose Mourinho wants a new midfielder to replace the Englishman if he does go, with ESPN crediting him with an interest in Manchester United's Jesse Lingard, but a move for Barella makes a little more sense.

The 23-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, racking up two goals and eight assists in all competitions, and he has been so impressive that Gazzetta dello Sport recently claimed he was the best Italian midfielder on the planet right now.

Inter would obviously not want to sell the 23-year-old, who joined in a deal worth up to £44m and is under contract until 2024, but things may be taken out of their hands because of the ongoing financial crisis at the club.

I Nerazzuri haven't paid their players their wages from July and August, and they were also recently forced to request a delay on their first payment to Real Madrid for Achraf Hakimi. There's talk of a potential takeover on the horizon, but if nothing comes to fruition, Inter may be forced to sell their players to raise funds.

Would they actually sell Barella? It's highly unlikely, but it's one of those that you just can't rule out right now.

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