Liverpool have held preliminary talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a transfer move for Bradley Barcola, and have been handed a potential boost by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds had looked to make a move for the 23-year-old 12 months ago but the French giants blocked any exit for the forward. Barcola went on to pick up 13 goals and seven assists across 49 outings last term but is now set to leave the Parc des Princes.
On Sunday, it has been confirmed that the player will not sign a new deal in Paris. That is encouraging news for Liverpool, but there remain hurdles to be jumped to bring the Champions League winner to Anfield, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich also linked.
Bradley Barcola enticed by Liverpool project
Bradley Barcolavia Reuters
PSG still value Barcola at a staggering €170 million with two years remaining on the player's contract. That's approximately £145 million and would be the most expensive Premier League transfer ever.
In his latest briefing on YouTube, Romano broke down the latest in the Barcola saga and suggested that PSG would green light an exit for less than that fee. It was also added that the player is keen to make the move to Anfield and the chance to work under Andoni Iraola.
Romano said: "They want Barcola and they are working on Barcola. I tell you more. Bradley Barcola is open to joining Liverpool. Bradley Barcola is attracted by Liverpool project.
"Bradley Barcola feels Liverpool is the perfect club for him, but then you need the agreement with Paris Saint-Germain. So now Barcola made his step towards Liverpool because he decided not to sign any contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
"Then he still has two years more left on his contract. So in order to get Barcola, you need to find a financial agreement. Now it's on Liverpool, obviously."
PSG open to Bradley Barcola sale
Andoni Iraola gives thumbs-up after Bournemouth Premier League gameREUTERS/Peter Powell
PSG are not feeling the pressure to sell Barcola given the remaining years on his contract, but are open to an exit. The French outfit would be happy to see the wantaway 'world-class' player move on, rather than keeping an unsettled star at the club.
Barcola is set to prioritise game time on his next venture. The winger played 90 minutes on just eight occasions last season and was handed only 37 minutes off the bench in the Champions League final against Arsenal.
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PSG are in the race for Real Madrid star Yan Diomande, whose arrival would add even more competition in the French capital.
Barcola would not be a shoo-in under Iraola, with Liverpool having splashed £35 million on left winger Victor Munoz, but the Frenchman has significantly more experience than the former Osasuna man.
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