Liverpool transfer rumour: Reds target Chile star Gary Medel as Steven Gerrard replacement

Liverpool are considering a move in signing Inter Milan midfielder Gary Medel, according to the Chilean publication La Tercera.

The Merseyside club allowed their legend Steven Gerrard to leave Anfield on a free transfer at the end of the 2014/15 season. He completed his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) after joining LA Galaxy.

Brendan Rodgers already signed James Milner from Manchester City on a free transfer. The Reds need to bring in another midfielder and they have identified Medel as Gerrard's replacement.

Chile defeated Argentina in the 2015 Copa America final, where the 27-year-old played a key role in the midfield, which helped his side win the South American championship on home soil.

The midfielder's form for the national side has attracted interested from European clubs. Turkish club Galatasaray are reportedly keen on securing his services in the summer transfer window.

However, with Liverpool now joining the race, the English outfit could beat competition from Galatasaray for Medel. The report suggests the player's future could be in the Premier League.

Inter have already signed Geoffrey Kondogbia from AS Monaco earlier in the summer. His arrival could force Medel to drop down the pecking order during the team selection. The Serie A side may be open to let the South America midfielder leave the club.

Medel has already played in the Premier League with Cardiff City in the 2013/14 season. After they got relegated, he joined Inter last year. He could be on the move once again in this summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Inter sporting director Marco Fassone said Medel is a key player for the Italian club, hinting the Chilean international could still continue at San Siro beyond the summer transfer window.

"Gary is an important player, he's key for us. But now we have to complete our attack after [Lukas] Podolski left. Further forward, we'll do an analysis with the coach and decide which players leave," Fassone told Sky Sports.