Steven Gerrard seriously impressed by 26-year-old midfielder Tottenham reportedly want

Steven Gerrard has been raving about Internazionale midfielder Nicolo Barella amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Gerrard was speaking on BT Sport ahead of one of the biggest Milan derbies in years.

Few would have thought at the start of the season that two Italian sides would reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

For runaway champions Napoli to not be one of them is an even bigger shock.

Despite being the home side on the night at the San Siro, AC Milan were stunned by an incredibly fast start from Inter.

A beautifully taken volley from Edin Dzeko in the opening minutes was followed up by a Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal.

The Armenian burst through the centre of the Milan defence and easily finished past Mike Maignan.

Gerrard was raving about Tottenham target Nicolo Barella before the match for good reason.

The Italian international had a brilliant game in midfield and was unlucky not to add his name to the score sheet too.

Gerrard praises Barella amid Tottenham interest

Speaking about the 26-year-old before the game, Gerrard said: “He’s creative, he can nick important goals.

“I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game.

“He did really well against Bellingham, a good age as well coming into his prime.”

Tottenham could be set to overhaul their squad in the summer depending on who becomes their permanent manager.

So much currently depends on Daniel Levy’s moves in the next few weeks.

Few managers who come in would complain about having a player of Barella’s quality at their disposal.

Too often Spurs have suffered from their midfielders being too limited in attack.

Rodrigo Bentancur offers something going forward, but it’s not his most natural role.

Tottenham have been linked with Barella and may feel similarly to Gerrard about his potential.

Liverpool are also keen, but whether Inter would be tempted to sell is another matter.

The creative midfielder is having one of the best seasons of his career so far.

Inter may want to cash in now if a bidding war begins, but negotiations may prove very tricky.