Liverpool are assessing a move for Deportivo Cali starlet Matías Orozco as head coach Andoni Iraola looks to finalize his squad before the September 1 transfer deadline.
_[Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/liverpool-and-leeds-united-in-picture-for-e6m-colombian-brentford-ruled-out-of-imminent-deal/)_, indicate the 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as a serious target for senior figures at Anfield, though Leeds United also retain an interest in the player. Brentford made a formal approach to land the teenager earlier this summer, but the London side have now dropped out of the race.
Orozco signed a contract extension through to December 2029 earlier this year, but that deal contains a release clause of €6m (£5.2m). That fee represents a relatively low-risk option for a player who has already registered 27 senior appearances and currently captains Colombia’s Under-20 side.
Deportivo Cali manager Rafael Dudamel confirmed the midfielder’s impending departure following their 2-2 draw with Internacional de Bogotá, a match in which Orozco featured despite his ongoing transfer negotiations
_**“Negotiations are advanced for Matías Orozco to go to European football,” Dudamel told reporters. “There are details still to be completed. That’s why he, together with his family, his agents, the board and coaching staff, agreed that he could play. We knew there was a lot of risk, but he also really wanted to be part of the team.”**_
**Reds balance attack reshuffle against valuation stance**
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Orozco’s potential arrival would add further youth depth to Iraola’s ranks following a busy summer at the AXA Training Centre. Liverpool have already secured three first-team signings ahead of the new campaign, bringing in Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, and defender [Ronald Araújo](https://live4liverpool.com/inside-liverpools-rapid-move-to-sign-barcelona-defender-ronald-araujo-on-loan/)
However, recruitment staff continue to work on primary targets higher up the pitch. Replacing Mohamed Salah remains the main objective for club chiefs, with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola occupying a prominent spot on the radar. PSG’s £145m price tag presents a major obstacle, with Liverpool sticking firmly to their policy of refusing to pay above internal valuations
**Target / Player**
**Club**
**Status / Details**
**Matías Orozco**
Deportivo Cali
£5.2m (€6m) release clause; Liverpool & Leeds competing
**Bradley Barcola**
Paris Saint-Germain
Primary attacking target; £145m asking price
**Cody Gakpo**
Liverpool
Subject of interest from Man City and Tottenham
Funds for a high-profile attacking addition could open up if Cody Gakpo departs. Both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur hold a genuine interest in the Netherlands international, meaning Liverpool face key decisions on both ins and outs before the window shuts.