Bradley Barcola is on the verge of completing a £123m transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool, with Steven Gerrard giving his take on his former club's business
Steven Gerrard speaks into a microphone
Steven Gerrard has spoken about Bradley Barcola(Image: PA)
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Steven Gerrard believes that Bradley Barcola can "take Liverpool to the next level," as he prepares for a £123million move from Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds have trailed the 23-year-old for the majority of the summer, as a move which looked almost impossible a matter of months ago actually comes to fruition.
Due to his age, potential and importance to Les Parisiens, Barcola saw a £145m price tag initially slapped on him in a bid to ward off potential suitors. However, having fallen down the pecking order to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, as well as the recent arrivals of Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts at the Parc des Princes, the club's stance has since shifted.
Now, the Athletic claim that Liverpool will pay an initial £106m to bring Barcola to Anfield, as well as a further £17m in potential add-ons. And speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool's clash with Nottingham Forest, Gerrard has given his take on the acquisition of Barcola.
He said: "Incredible talent. This is a player who has won two Champions Leagues in the last two years.
"I don't think he's hit his ceiling yet, still think there's potential there. Growth.
"He can evolve into an even better player which is very exciting. But it's the type of level of player that's gonna help take Liverpool to the next level. So I think it's a fantastic deal."
Elsewhere, David Ornstein was quick to cover Cody Gakpo's situation within the club, given he has been linked with a move away from Merseyside. The 27-year-old struggled for consistency last season, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have still been credited with an interest.
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Spurs have enjoyed a first-team overhaul under Roberto De Zerbi, while City are on the lookout for reinforcement up top having shifted Savio and Omar Marmoush to North London.
And speaking about Gakpo's future and how the rest of the window might play out, Ornstein explained: "Cody has a big decision to make because he's got three very good options.
"He either stays at Liverpool, where he'll be a great asset - already has been so far. He moves to Manchester City, their interest is genuine. Or he goes to Tottenham, and they've been pursuing him - it's been a bit more high-profile - for some time.
"Pros and cons to all of those options. If he decides to stay, then Liverpool will probably park their pursuit of a right-sided attacker, because then they'll have the four wingers already in the building.
"If he decides to go, then Liverpool will look to execute on a deal for the right-hand side as well. We've seen that Yankuba Minteh is a target, they've had a couple of bids turned down by Brighton and Hove Albion.
"And also, Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace. There's been an enquiry but no bid at this point, so it's a live situation and big calls need to be made in the coming days."
There will be more to follow. We'll bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
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