Liverpool are set to make a formal bid in the region of €115 million (£98.5m) for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to sources in France.
L’Equipe‘s Loic Tanzi reports that Liverpool are now set to submit their first formal offer for Barcola after several days of talks.
The bid is likely to be rejected, with PSG seeking closer to €150 million (£128.5m), but the development is described as “not insignificant.”
It is seen to demonstrate Liverpool’s commitment to signing Barcola, who is into the final two years of his contract in Paris and ready to make the move.
Barcola is claimed to have already agreed terms on a contract at Anfield and conversations between Richard Hughes and PSG counterpart Luis Campos are “considered smooth by all parties.”
Bradley Barcola, PSG (Image: UEFA)
Bradley Barcola, PSG (Image: UEFA)
PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi is also reported to have entered talks with Liverpool’s hierarchy while the Reds’ recruitment team are not in concrete negotiations with any alternative.
Whether a compromise can be reached is unclear at this stage, but there appears a confidence around the situation after Barcola was made No. 1 target.
Liverpool had previously set their sights on Yan Diomande, tabling a bid worth €100 million, but that was rejected by RB Leipzig and the 19-year-old has since signed for Real Madrid.
The difference when it comes to Barcola is that the 23-year-old is seemingly set on a move to Merseyside, despite wider interest from the likes of Arsenal.
Reports of an imminent bid come after claims were dismissed over an agreement in principle between Liverpool and PSG, with rumours suggesting a fee of around €128 million (£109.6m).
Barcola is yet to report back for pre-season training with PSG after being part of the France squad to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
However he is likely to rejoin his team-mates following their friendly against Man United in Goteborg, Sweden on Saturday.
PSG begin their campaign proper with the UEFA Super Cup final against Europa League winners Aston Villa on August 12 and then the Trophee des Champions against RC Lens four days later on August 16.
The Ligue 1 title-winners have already signed a new winger this week, with Maghnes Akliouche completing a €50 million (£42.8m) move from Monaco on Thursday, while a bid is being prepared for Ajax’s Mika Godts.
Liverpool are also pursuing PSG right winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who is considered available for as low as €40 million (£34.3m).