Liverpool are now said to be planning to spend huge money on their statement winger signing. The Reds have had a pretty quiet summer so far, snapping up Victor Muñoz, while they had already agreed to sign Jeremy Jacquet to replace Ibrahima Konate, who departed at the end of his contract.
But Andoni Iraola is going to want a handful of signings to polish off his squad and ensure he has the tools he needs to play within his attack-first, largely wing-based style of play. And as luck would have if for the Spaniard, Mo Salah left this summer, leaving an almighty hole on the wing.
Liverpool are expected to address that hole as their main priority, while they could also add to the midfield before the summer is out.
Liverpool ready to spend big on new winger
Bradley BarcolaReuters/Sam Navarro
PSG winger Bradley Barcola has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer. The France World Cup star is said to have rejected a new contract proposal from PSG this summer, hoping to depart Parc des Princes to become a star elsewhere.
Barcola has played an important role in Luis Enrique's side, winning two Champions League titles along the way, but the presence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia means a starting role on the left is not going to come any time soon. Barcola has played a supplementary role on the left, and he has had to play out of position to get more regular football.
But at 23 years of age and clearly a huge talent, he feels as though he can play a starring role elsewhere, and he is likely right. Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of the situation, and The Times say they are ready to pay £100million in a bid to make the deal happen.
But PSG value Barcola highly, and buoyed by the huge fees paid within the Premier League this summer, notably by Chelsea for Morgan Rogers and Manchester City for Elliot Anderson, they think Barcola is worth as much as £145million.
Liverpool will want to convince them to lower their fee, and Barcola can help by further pushing for a move, but it's no secret that PSG do not need the money, and they can be a tough club to negotiate with for that reason.
Barcola an 'elite' attacker
Bradley Barcola warms up before Paris Saint-Germain matchREUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
PSG boss Luis Enrique is a big fan of Barcola's, which explains why the French club offered the winger a new deal this summer. The former Spain boss said last year: "I think Barcola is one of the best dribblers in Europe. He has extraordinary qualities. We are delighted with him."
Meanwhile, Liverpool reporter James Pearce has described Barcola as an 'elite' talent, saying: "Victor Munoz, earlier on in the window, was kind of with one eye on the future. He's still kind of potential rather than the finished article. Barcola is elite, isn't he? He's been part of such a successful PSG team, and when you're replacing someone of Salah's status, it has to be someone who is ready."
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The Reds are said to be stepping up their efforts