Liverpool have been left as one of the favourites to sign Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni after Barcelona ducked out of the race, according to reports.<\/p>\n
The Reds appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach last week as they look to go in a different direction after sacking Arne Slot late last month.<\/p>\n
Liverpool<\/a>\u00a0finished fifth in the season just gone<\/a> after winning the Premier League title in the previous campaign, while they were unable to win any other trophies.<\/p>\n The Merseysiders have also lost a Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate this summer in a major shake-up of the squad at Liverpool.<\/p>\n Fenway Sports Group (FSG) will look to support new manager Iraola in the summer transfer market with Yan Diomande one of their top targets.<\/p>\n Liverpool are looking to sign at least one winger in the summer transfer window after Salah\u2019s departure and the poor form of Cody Gakpo last season.<\/p>\n READ: Kennet Eichhorn \u2018dream\u2019 of joining Liverpool alive because of secret \u2018release clause\u2019 after Jarell Quansah \u2018assurances\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n But a new centre-back will also take priority in the transfer market despite the incoming arrival of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, which was agreed in January.<\/p>\n Inter Milan centre-back Bastoni has been linked with a move to Liverpool and now Italian website Calciomercato has revealed that<\/a> Barcelona have \u2018withdrawn\u2019 in the race to sign the Italy international.<\/p>\n On interest from Barcelona in Bastoni, the report continues: \u2018Barcelona tried, and they actually did , with sporting director Deco even appearing in Milan on numerous occasions to try to negotiate with Inter and the player. However, the only offer presented to the Nerazzurri was far removed from Viale della Liberazione\u2019s demands, and since then, the Blaugrana scenario has begun to fade.<\/p>\n \u2018That offer was no more than 40-45 million euros plus bonuses, with Inter asking for at least 60-70 million, but with the clear indication that it was the boy who had to expressly ask to leave.\u2019<\/p>\n