Things could be about to get interesting for Liverpool in the transfer market as the push to sign PSG ace Bradley Barcola rumbles on
Bradley Barcola celebrates for PSG
Bradley Barcola is Liverpool's primary transfer target(Image: Dan Mullan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Liverpool may have taken a measured approach to the transfer window up to now, but there is growing expectation it won't stay that way for long.
While many of their Premier League rivals have spent aggressively to strengthen before the new campaign starts, the Reds have largely kept their powder dry, prompting questions over when their summer rebuild will properly begin.
The appointment of Andoni Iraola has naturally increased anticipation, with supporters eager to see how the Spaniard reshapes his squad ahead of his first season in charge. So far, though, only Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have arrived, joining from Osasuna and Rennes respectively in deals worth £34.5million and £55m.
However, Liverpool remain active behind the scenes and are believed to be working on a number of ambitious targets - particularly in attack. With that in mind, here are the latest transfer news from Anfield.
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Barcola bid delay explained
Liverpool have made PSG winger Bradley Barcola their No. 1 attacking target as they continue planning for life after Mohamed Salah. Discussions between the two clubs are believed to be ongoing, although the Reds are yet to lodge an official bid for the French international.
According to Sky Sports, that is entirely intentional. Liverpool's hierarchy want to determine exactly what fee PSG would be prepared to accept before submitting an opening proposal, rather than making an offer that is instantly dismissed and potentially complicates negotiations.
Bradley Barcola
Barcola is reportedly keen to join Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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PSG are currently believed to value Barcola at around £145m, whereas Liverpool are aiming to complete a deal closer to £100m, meaning there remains a significant difference between the two clubs' valuations.
"There's no point slinging in an offer if they don't believe that they're close to getting a deal done," Sky Sports analyst Mark McAdam said on The Transfer Show.
"If PSG want £145m, then what's the point of putting in an offer for £100m? It's going to get rejected, isn't it? Therefore, they have to have some sensible conversations where they can get it down a bit from £145m because they're never going to pay that."
PSG clearing way for Barcola exit
Although Liverpool and PSG remain apart in their valuations of Barcola, fresh developments suggest the French side could be preparing for his departure.
Akliouche
Maghnes Akliouche is set for a medical at PSG
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Reports claim PSG have reached an agreement to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche. The highly versatile forward, capable of featuring both as an attacking midfielder and on either flank, is due to complete a medical before sealing a £42.8m switch to the Parc des Princes.
PSG are also pushing to secure the signing of Ajax winger Mika Godts, with reports indicating a transfer worth around £50m is edging closer. If both attacking reinforcements arrive, speculation will only intensify that the Ligue 1 champions are ready to sanction Barcola's exit.
The 23-year-old has registered 34 goals and 28 assists across the last two club seasons despite battling for minutes alongside Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue. Barcola is believed to favour a move to Anfield, where he would have the opportunity to play a more central attacking role and enjoy more consistent first-team opportunities.
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