Liverpool are now prepared to make an offer for AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, who is also being targeted by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds have been ramping up their pursuit of a new forward, and they are set for talks to sign PSG star Bradley Barcola on Monday, with a formal bid now imminent.
PSG winger Bradley Barcola
However, the 23-year-old isn't the only Ligue 1 star in their sights, with Akliouche, who registered six goals and seven assists in 31 league appearances for Monaco last season, also of interest.
The 24-year-old has been one of Monaco's key players for quite some time, receiving plaudits from beIN Sports presenter Matt Spiro courtesy of his performance against Benfica in the 2024-25 Champions League.
Spiro said: "Maghnes Akliouche exceptional in that first half. There's something of Zidane in the way he glides through tackles, always in control of the football, and invariably picks the right pass. A joy to watch."
The 24-year-old's ability to pick out the correct pass is also showcased by the fact he created 44 chances in Ligue 1 last season, which was nine more than any other member of the Monaco squad.
Why signing Maghnes Akliouche would make more sense than Bradley Barcola
More natural Mohamed Salah replacement
Capable of playing in the middle
Price tag
Liverpool "ready" to submit bid for Maghnes Akliouche
France's Maghnes Akliouche during a press conference
According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are now "ready" to make an offer for Akliouche, and they are willing to offer Monaco a higher fee than PSG.
However, the Monaco academy graduate has his heart set on a move to the French capital, and PSG remain in talks, so it could be difficult for FSG to orchestrate a deal.
Liverpool rivalling Arsenal for Vinicius Junior
Vinicius-Junior-World-Cup-BrazilReuters/Nathan Ray Seebeck
Arsenal have recently surged into the race for Vinicius Junior, but Liverpool could provide competition in the race for the Real Madrid star, who has less than one year remaining on his contract.
Contact has been made regarding a deal for the Brazilian, who could be signed as an alternative to RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, with the Ivorian widely reported to be closing in on a move to Real Madrid.
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