Liverpool have reportedly moved to the front of the queue in the race to sign Cagliari Calcio midfielder Nicolo Barella.

The Italian has come through the youth system at the Serie A club, and the 21-year-old's performances have led to interest from a number of top clubs in Europe.

However, according to Football Italia, it is Liverpool who have emerged as favourites to secure Barella's signature next summer.

The player's contract does not expire until 2022, but it has been suggested that Liverpool are prepared to pay as much as £44m to push through a deal.

Barella has made a total of 77 appearances for Cagliari, while he has already made an impact on the international scene and featured for Italy against Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night.