Liverpool are now set for talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola with an "opening bid" in the works.
It has been a relatively quiet summer transfer window for the Reds thus far, with Victor Munoz the only signing in attack, but they remain keen on signing a new winger, and Barcola, who has been valued at £145m by PSG, has emerged as a target.
The Frenchman was the European champions' top scorer in Ligue 1 last season, bagging 11 goals, while he also created 11 big chances, which was the joint-second highest number in the squad.
Following Mohamed Salah's departure, the Merseysiders could do with bringing in a clinical forward, but even though the 23-year-old was regularly on the scoresheet for PSG, he did miss 15 big chances in the league, which was more than any of Luis Enrique's other players.
With that in mind, the former Lyon man may not yet be the finished article, but he is certainly displaying encouraging signs at the Parc des Princes, having been lauded as "elite" by Como scout Ben Mattinson.
Liverpool set for negotiations to sign Bradley Barcola
Barcola-France-World-Cup
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool owners FSG are now planning to do "everything they can" to secure Barcola's signature before the end of the summer transfer window. Talks are taking place on Monday with the Reds expected to submit a first formal offer soon.
The PSG star is now "open" to leaving the French club this summer, which suggests a move to Anfield could be in the pipeline, should Andoni Iraola's side be able to agree a transfer fee.
Should Liverpool sign Bradley Barcola?
Pros
Young, with time to develop even further
Experienced in the Champions League
Consistent goalscorer
Personal terms aren't an issue
Won 12 major trophies
Liverpool also eyeing Barcola and Diomande alternative
yan-diomande-ivory-coast
As their search for a new forward continues, Liverpool have also set their sights on Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, who could be brought in as an alternative to Barcola and Diomande, with the latter player widely reported to be joining Real Madrid.
Olise is already experienced in England, having picked up 14 goals and 22 assists in 82 Premier League matches for Crystal Palace, and he has since gone on to become a key player for Bayern Munich, amassing 36 Bundesliga goal involvements last season.
Having also picked up seven assists in eight World Cup matches, the Frenchman could be a fantastic addition to Iraola's attack, but it would be surprising if Bayern are willing to cash-in, considering he is one of their most important players.
Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring their first goal Related
Why Alexander Isak will be delighted if £145m star signs for Liverpool
Liverpool could be about to make a monster statement in the transfer market once again.