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Liverpool could have the perfect sweetener as they reportedly pursue a deal for Italy Euro 2020 winner Domenico Berardi.

The wide attacker, who was born in Cariati, was a member of the Azzurri’s European Championship winning squad, scoring his penalty in the shootout win over England.

Berardi was a regular starter in the group stages at the Euros before Federico Chiesa came off the bench to break the deadlock against Austria. The Juve winger then replaced Berardi in the starting XI, but Berardi still made six appearances, claiming two assists.

That has led to speculation that Liverpool and Leicester are interested in the 26-year-old. 

Any interested club will reportedly have to fork out €40m if they want to get a deal over the line. That is according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, with Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali recently confirming he wants to move on.

Now, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have made contact with Berardi’s agent and are “ready to join the auction”.

And they could hold the ace card with midfielder Marko Grujic a player they could use in an exchange deal.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Sassuolo have launched a separate enquiry for 25-year-old Grujic.

Sassuolo have asked Liverpool for Marko Grujic as potential new signing to replace Locatelli who’s leaving the club this summer. @DiMarzio #LFC #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2021

The Serbia star is one player who is expected to leave Anfield this summer after his latest loan spell at Porto.

Sassuolo for their part are are looking for a replacement for Manuel Locatelli, who looks set to Juventus.

And with Liverpool understood to be offloading a number of fringe players this summer, a swap deal could be on the cards.

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Grujic price tag

Grujic’s price tag is around £15m mark. That would mean the Reds would have to offer around £20m in addition to Grujic, who was born in Belgrade, to get a deal done for Berardi.

Another attacking option is said to be Jurgen Klopp’s priority this summer. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane could both be away for six weeks from January for the Africa Cup of Nations.

That will leave Klopp relying on the likes of Roberto Firmino and Jota. And the German coach is believed to want more experienced cover.

Berardi, who has made over 200 Serie A appearances, would certainly offer that.

The former Juve winger, who captains Sassuolo, hit 17 goals in 30 appearances in Serie A last term. He has also hit double figures in three of the last seven seasons in the Italian top flight.

READ MORE: Liverpool steadfast after being offered old boy again for amazing knockdown price

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