REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Liverpool are showing an interest in PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye, GMS understands. The 18-year-old Senegal international is expected to leave Paris this summer as he seeks more minutes.
PSG are expected to seek at least €50m, and potentially even higher in what is proving to be an inflated market.
Liverpool are yet to place an offer, but Mbaye is understood to be keen on a move to Anfield.
Bayer Leverkusen in Direct Talks to Sign Mbaye
via Reuters
Bayer Leverkusen are already in direct club-to-club talks for Mbaye with Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Fernando Carro both part of those discussions. The pair have an excellent relationship and progress has been made in talks.
Yet Mbaye is prepared to assess all options and would welcome a formal approach from Liverpool, according to sources familiar with his thinking.
The African 'phenomenon' made 23 appearances last season, scoring three times, but is part of a competitive squad that includes Desire Doue, while Bradley Barcola can also operate from the right.
And PSG are in the market for at least one more two-sided winger. Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche is set to join for around €50m, and PSG have not discounted adding another attacker after pulling out the race to sign Real Madrid-bound Yan Diomande. All this means Mbaye's game time could be reduced.
Liverpool Still Want Barcola on Top of Mbaye
REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Liverpool are also exploring a move for Bradley Barcola and have held preliminary talks with PSG over a move.
The Reds are prepared to bid around €100m, but nothing will advance imminently unless PSG drop their €170m asking price.
It is possible PSG's price may drop as August progresses, and once their own recruitment in wide areas is complete. Yet PSG insiders insist any Barcola sale should be more than the fees for Elliot Anderson (£116m) and Morgan Rogers (£117m) even though the French international won't sign a new deal and only has two years left on his current contract.
PSG argue the fact Barcola had a strong World Cup with France, scoring three times and getting an assist, coupled with the fact he is a back-to-back Champions League winner, only add to his value.
Barcola wants to join Liverpool and although personal terms are not yet in place, they are not thought to be an issue. The biggest challenge will be agreeing a fee with PSG.
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