Liverpool transfer news and rumors include the latest on Ibrahim Mbaye's future and the Reds' reported interest in Bournemouth midfielder
Ibrahim MBAYE of Paris SG during the friendly match between Mallorca and Paris
Ibrahim Mbaye continues to be linked with a transfer switch to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
Liverpool may be returning to Premier League action this weekend, but plenty of focus is still on the transfer window and the work the club must complete in the final week before the deadline.
Andoni Iraola will oversee his first competitive fixture in charge of the Reds on Sunday as his side takes on Newcastle United at St. James' Park. In the meantime, the club's hierarchy will be scrambling to complete its transfer business before September 1.
So far, only Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have been signed, with a deal to sign the latter confirmed all the way back in January. Ronald Araujo has also signed on a season-long loan from Barcelona, but it's fair to say a significant amount of work is still needed in attacking areas as the club is yet to replace former talisman Mohamed Salah.
With that said, here's a roundup of some of the latest transfer news and rumors from in and around Anfield....
$82M target weighs up his options
Liverpool has been linked with a number of attackers in recent weeks as it steps up its pursuit of wide options. Bradley Barcola is evidently the top target, but his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Ibrahim Mbaye has also been tipped to move to Anfield this summer.
In the latest update from French outlet L'Equipe, it has been suggested both Barcola and Mbaye feel their respective transfer sagas have dragged on for a long time now. Neither player is expected to be part of Luis Enrique's squad for PSG's Ligue 1 opener against Rennes this weekend.
While Barcola may be the priority, it could be a concern for Liverpool that the article also indicates Mbaye could turn to alternative options in the final 10 days of the window given the lack of progress in negotiations. It appears the difference in valuation between the two clubs is the key stumbling block to a deal being struck for the Senegal international.
RMC Sport reported on Friday that Liverpool values Mbaye at £43 million ($58 million), while PSG is hoping to achieve a figure closer to £60 million ($82 million). While that article in particular suggests the teenager is still keen on joining Liverpool, the two clubs reaching an agreement seems unlikely at this stage.
Liverpool.com says: If wider reports are to be believed, Mbaye is not the only winger the Reds are pursuing. The bids for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh prove as much. That said, both players' reported asking prices are in similar territory, so it's down to the club to decide which represents better value for money.
Minteh is older and boasts Premier League experience, but is currently out injured and could be sidelined until October or November. Mbaye, meanwhile, is much younger but has a high ceiling, and 41 appearances for a team that has won the last two Champions League trophies is not to be sniffed at.
Bournemouth’s stance on midfielder's exit
Bournemouth and USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams
Bournemouth's Tyler Adams has been tentatively linked with a move to Liverpool this summer
Also on Friday, Curtis Jones' departure to Italian side Inter Milan was confirmed as the 25-year-old called time on a 16-year career at Liverpool. It appears the Reds' focus remains on strengthening the attack in the final days of the window, but that hasn't stopped links with midfielders from emerging.
Some sections of the media over the last week have claimed Iraola is eager to reunite with Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams at Liverpool. However, Football Insider claims the Cherries have no plans to let the United States international depart the Vitality Stadium this summer.
The article adds Bournemouth will stand firm on that stance despite rumored interest from Liverpool, as well as clubs elsewhere in the Premier League. Adams is under contract until 2028, so he is about to enter the final two years of his deal.
Liverpool.com says: It's probably fair to say links with Adams have been tentative at best. Midfield clearly isn't the priority this summer, with the attack presenting much more glaring issues.
The midfield profile may be a concern among some sections of the fanbase, but it can be argued Liverpool is not exactly lacking in numbers this summer. Regardless, Adams' Bournemouth teammate Alex Scott or Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton may be the more exciting candidates Liverpool could go for if and when it decides to invest in midfield reinforcements.