Liverpool Transfer News: Domenico Berardi Blow, Ola Aina Targeted, Top Rumours

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi as Juventus have now entered the race to sign the youngster.

Per Calciomercato (h/t the Mirror's Liam Corless), the Reds have had their eye on Berardi for some time, and manager Jurgen Klopp is eager to make him his first signing in the January transfer window.

However, Juventus—who previously signed Berardi on a co-ownership basis before he was returned to Sassuolo—are now reportedly keen to sign him in the summer for around €20 million (£14.4 million), per Italian outlets Tuttosport and Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia).

The reports indicate Juve are prepared to bid as high as €22 million (£15.9 million) to snap up the 21-year-old, and they see his "tactical flexibility" as a real bonus—he can play out on the flank as well as through the middle.

As can be seen below, Berardi is blessed with terrific skill, touch and movement, while his finishing is also excellent:

He has netted two goals and provided two assists for Sassuolo in Serie A this season, per WhoScored.com.

The young Italian would be an excellent addition at Anfield, and Klopp undoubtedly believes he could turn his terrific potential into world-class quality.

As backup and competition for the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, he could be a very good value purchase at around the £15 million mark.

However, given that he is Italian and has previously had connections with Juventus, the Reds may find it hard to win any transfer battle with the Serie A champions.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Liverpool are also reportedly going to have to fight it out to sign Chelsea youngster Ola Aina.

The 19-year-old defender is reportedly being targeted by Napoli and Borussia Dortmund, as well as the Reds, as his Stamford Bridge contract expires at the end of the season, per Adrian Kajumba in the Mirror.

Dortmund and Napoli can open negotiations with Aina over a pre-contract next month, but Liverpool will have to wait until the summer.

In this case, though, they may hold the edge. It would be a big decision for Aina to move abroad so early in his career having proved himself with Chelsea's academy sides and in the England under-19 team.