Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola is gathering pace as PSG close in on two winger replacements, while Inter Milan are set to improve their bid for Curtis Jones
Bradley Barcola
Liverpool's interest in Bradley Barcola remains strong(Image: Sarah Stier - FIFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool's transfer activity has been relatively quiet compared to what many fans had expected. However, it appears poised to accelerate as negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over long-term target Bradley Barcola gather momentum.
Pre-season has begun with wins against Sunderland and Wrexham. Their next match on the United States tour sees them take on Leeds United at Chicago's Soldier Field on Sunday. New signings Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have yet to make an appearance. The former is moving closer to his Reds debut following recovery from a shoulder injury, while Spain World Cup winner Munoz is approaching the conclusion of his post-tournament break.
The chase for Barcola remains the dominant storyline, with developments elsewhere in the market strengthening Liverpool's bargaining power. Here is a roundup of the latest transfer updates....
Barcola replacements identified
PSG are progressing towards signing two wide players in a clear signal they are preparing for life without Barcola. They have purportedly begun talks with Ajax over a £51million move for Mika Godts, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Additionally, the Champions League holders are close to finalising Maghnes Akliouche's arrival from Monaco for around £43m. With Desire Doue, Ibrahim Maye and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia already part of the squad, competition for wide positions appears set to intensify considerably.
Something must yield, and that 'something' is Barcola. Liverpool have no intention of matching PSG's £145m valuation, yet talks remain ongoing, and the impending signings of Godts and Akliouche at PSG ought to strengthen their bargaining hand.
Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola is currently Liverpool's top transfer target(Image: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP via Getty Images)
The French champions would still stand to make a considerable profit on a player who arrived from Lyon for under £40m three years ago.
Fresh Jones bid
Inter Milan are willing to raise their offer for midfielder Curtis Jones. The Serie A champions have already secured John Stones' signature this summer and are keen to recruit another England international, having previously had an opening bid of around £21m rejected.
As reported by the ECHO, Inter are preparing a £30m offer, though this still falls short of Liverpool's £35m valuation for the 25-year-old, who has just 12 months left on his current deal.
Intermediaries acting on behalf of Inter have now re-established contact with Liverpool, conveying the club's readiness to improve their offer.
Jones has accumulated 228 appearances since his debut in January 2019, yet has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in the first team.