Liverpool could face major competition for the signature of reported target Lorenzo Pellegrini this summer.
The Reds have been widely linked to the Italian midfielder in recent days, with some reports suggesting the club had met a £25.8million release clause to land the AS Roma ace.
There has been bad news for the 24-year-old this week after a muscle injury suffered in training ruled the 17-cap man out of the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament.
On the back of the fitness blow, a fresh report from Mundo Deporitvo, as cited by the Liverpool Echo on Twitter, has claimed Barcelona and Atalanta are both keen on Pellegrini.
Twitter: Liverpool face transfer battle with Barcelona for Lorenzo Pellegrini, claims report
https://t.co/W8TFRhmiMK https://t.co/fQENIbfpGW (@LivEchoLFC)
The report claims ‘especially Jürgen Klopp’s side’ are keen on the star, however, the Serie A club has ‘first option’ on the midfielder at a reduced price.
Pellegrini enjoyed a superb 2020/21 campaign – scoring 11 goals and registering nine assists in 47 appearances.
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Valued at £36million and under contract until 2022 in Rome (Transfermarkt), signing the attack-minded midfielder would be a huge coup at the mooted release clause.
Jurgen Klopp is in need of midfield reinforcements after Gini Wijnaldum officially joined Paris Saint-Germain this week – rejecting Barcelona at the final hour.
Albeit holding a rather checkered injury record, Pellegrini boasts a plethora of high-quality attributes that would be hugely beneficial to the Reds, especially when attempting to break down low block sides – something Klopp’s side have struggled with previously.
