REUTERS/Peter Powell
Liverpool have opened conversations with super agent Jorge Mendes over a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye in what could be a double swoop at the Parc des Princes.
Andoni Iraola has arrived at Anfield with the unenviable task of replacing the attacking impetus lost by the departure of Mohamed Salah. The Reds have already snapped up Osasuna man Victor Munoz, hijacking a proposed move to Newcastle United in the eleventh hour, but the 23-year-old left winger cannot be expected to carry the goalscoring burden of Salah himself.
Liverpool have been linked with PSG star Bradley Barcola all summer, and that is a deal expected to accelerate this week, after the Frenchman was axed from the matchday squad for the French Super Cup defeat to Rennes. However, Barcola was not the only player to be left out by Luis Enrique.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool talks with Ibrahim Mbaye
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Mbaye also found himself without a place in the squad for PSG at the weekend, having been an unused substitute in the 2-1 UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa.
The teenager is also on the shopping list for Iraola this summer and, in his briefing following the French Super Cup defeat, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano provided the latest on links with the players.
He said: "Liverpool spoke to the agent of the player, Jorge Mendes. They had a conversation and the player is very attracted by Liverpool.
"Either the valuation comes down or they can find an agreement with Barcola and Mbaye - but Liverpool are not going to pay £200million for both."
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If Barcola is going to struggle to get into the PSG starting XI under Enrique this season, then the chances are even slimmer for 18-year-old Mbaye. The rising star was used sparingly last season, playing 1,200 minutes across 31 appearances.
Mbaye and Barcola have fallen down the pecking order behind Desire Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ferran Torres, Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche, with PSG now open to transfer offers for both players.
While Liverpool are firm frontrunners to sign Barcola, that is not the case for Mbaye. The potential difference in valuation with PSG has left Romano claiming that several other clubs could be more realistic options for the teenagers - Manchester United have been credited with interest.
Ibrahim Mbaye v Bradley Barcola
What Mbaye would offer Liverpool over Munoz and Barcola, is a preference for the right wing. The former Osasuna man has a strong preference to play off the left. So too does Barcola, although the Frenchman is adept on either flank.
Mbaye has also been deployed on both sides of the pitch by Enrique, but is naturally a right-winger, and perhaps is the most natural option to fill the role left by Salah.
The winger has earned a reputation for his acceleration and taking on defenders. Mbaye is right footed so, where Salah would cut in on his left, he would more regularly look to carry the Reds forward around the other side of the defender.
Mbaye already offers experience past his years, having been handed minutes in the Champions League and starred for Senegal at the World Cup, scoring in the opening fixture against France.
Despite an impressive CV, it would be unlikely for Iraola to view an 18-year-old as a player who can start every game for Liverpool. The Reds boss will already be cautious with helping Munoz make the step up to Champions League football, and needs a player already proven at that level.
Barcola certainly offers that, with 43 appearances and six goals in the tournament, including two goals against Chelsea in the convincing Last 16 wins last season.