Luis Campos, the PSG sporting director, has been speaking to French television about Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, with the former especially of interest to Liverpool
PSG head coach Luis Enrique chats to sporting director Luis Campos.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique chats to sporting director Luis Campos.(Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
PSG sporting director Luis Campos has pointed to a Manchester City transfer as proof that there is still time for Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye to depart before the September 1 deadline.
A year ago, Pep Guardiola swooped to bring in Gigi Donnarumma and that deal was not confirmed until the second day of September. Campos has hinted that something similar could unfold this time around.
"In terms of departures, we'll see what happens regarding Barcola and Mbaye," Campos is quoted as telling French television. "I understand your questions about them, but you also have to understand my position.
"We'll see what happens at the end of the window, remember last year with Donnarumma, it was done at the end of the window. We'll see."
Liverpool retains an interest in Barcola. It considered Mbaye earlier in the window, but appears to have turned its focus to Yankuba Minteh of Brighton.
Last week, the Reds saw an offer worth around $82 million (£60 million) for Minteh rejected, with the Seagulls hoping to bring in around $95 million (£70 million) for the Gambian.
Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola are both liked by Liverpool
Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola are both liked by Liverpool (Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola, whose team salvaged a 2-2 draw at Newcastle thanks to a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty, spoke to Jamie Carragher last week and insisted that his side would bring in more players.
"As a manager, you want the players from the first day, but you have to understand how it works and we have to adapt as coaches," the Spaniard then insisted in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I don't spend too much time thinking about these things. I am focused on the game against Newcastle. That is massive for me."
Pressed on Barcola and Minteh specifically ahead of the trip to Newcastle, Iraola simply added: "We cannot speak about players who are not ours."
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Liverpool.com says: Signing at least two more forwards is vital for the Reds if they are to properly back Iraola and give him the best chance of succeeding this season.
With Hugo Ekitike injured, Alexander Isak needs more help. Rio Ngumoha is best off the left, and he needs to be carefully managed anyway.
Right now, the Liverpool roster is looking very light. But the Reds know that, and work is continuing to ensure that changes in the next eight days.