PSG has made a decision on Bradley Barcola ahead of facing Rennes in Ligue 1, with Luis Enrique's side still talking with Liverpool about a potential deal for the Frenchman
Bradley Barcola of PSG.
Bradley Barcola of PSG.(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola has been left out of PSG's squad for their trip to Rennes in Ligue 1 this weekend, amid continued transfer interest from Liverpool.
The Reds have seen a second bid worth $82 million (£60 million) rejected for Yankuba Minteh, with Brighton holding out for around $95 million (£70 million), but Barcola, the former Lyon ace, remains a priority as well with the clocking ticking towards the September 1 transfer deadline.
And having been left out last weekend by PSG, that stance continues into matchday one of the new league campaign. Barcola sat out the French Super Cup defeat to Lens.
Ibrahim Mbaye, another to have been considered by Liverpool, is also expected to miss out for PSG. The 18-year-old has interest from around Europe, with Bayer Leverkusen keen.
"We always remain open to possibilities, right up to the last day," PSG boss Luis Enrique said when he was asked about transfers.
"So far, I think we’ve signed some very good players to give us even more options to try and win. That’s what motivates us, and I’m very happy with what we’ve done so far."
Bradley Barcola in Champions League action for PSG against Liverpool.
Bradley Barcola in Champions League action for PSG against Liverpool.(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
PSG has signed Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts and Ferran Torres this summer. It has sold Goncalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in.
Before PSG beat Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup, Enrique was asked about Barcola's future, but he was not prepared to go into any detail on what might happen next.
"I don’t know and I don’t want to speak about any player individually," he insisted.
"Because it’s always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team."
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PSG has been demanding as much as $193 million (£145 million) for Barcola, which is a price that Liverpool will not pay. The hope is that a breakthrough can be found in negotiations.
Liverpool.com says: Getting Barcola over the line feels like a must for the Reds. Andoni Iraola has spoken only about needing more quality out wide, and he would offer that instantly.
Earlier this week, Iraola said that Liverpool will "definitely" make more signings. The Reds could really do with getting at least two more bodies through the door to bolster the ranks.