Inter remain hopeful of being able secure Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, despite strong competition from Barcelona.

With the Nerazzurri nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table and closing in on a first Scudetto since 2010, attention is already beginning to turn to next season and director Piero Ausilio has been identifying targets.

As reported by Calciomercato.com, Ausilio has been in contact with Wijnaldum’s representatives as the Netherlands international appears destined to depart Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, as he looks for a new challenge in his career.

However, Inter are facing two large obstacles in their pursuit of the 30-year-old, with Wijnaldum’s demands of €9-10 million per season, in addition to a large signing-on fee, beyond the Nerazzurri’s capabilities, particularly given Suning’s recent financial troubles.

Meanwhile, Barcelona represent a significant threat to Inter’s hopes, with coach Ronald Koeman having already worked with Wijnaldum in his capacity as Netherlands boss, and negotiations with the player’s agents are already believed to be at an advanced stage.