Stephen Warnock believes Bradley Barcola's move to Liverpool is edging closer after the winger was left out of Paris Saint-Germain's squad for their Trophee des Champions 1-0 defeat to Lens at the weekend. The Reds have identified the 23-year-old as a major target to bolster their attack before the September 1 deadline.
The France international was omitted from PSG's squad last Sunday, adding further uncertainty to his future. Barcola has made it clear he has no intention of signing a new contract at the Parc des Princes, despite having two years remaining on his current deal.
PSG's changing valuation
PSG are open to selling Barcola at the right price and remain in active discussions with Liverpool. The French champions initially valued him at €170m (£145m), and although there is still a gap between the clubs, RMC Sport report that Andoni Iraola's side remain 'motivated' to get a deal done this summer.
French outlet Jeunes Footeux now claim PSG are 'willing to listen to an offer between €130m and €140m' (£110m–£120m), signalling a significant climbdown from their original €170m stance.
Warnock's view on the fee
Speaking about the ongoing negotiations between the clubs, former Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock shared his view on PSG's valuation.
"The market's insane, it's just off the charts," he told PariuriX.com. "I understand PSG's stance when you look at Morgan Rogers going for £117m. They can say, 'we've got a player who's just won the Champions League twice, he's a French international, he's a starter for France, why shouldn't we be getting that sort of a fee?'
"And also, you're paying for the potential as well. So I get that. £170million? Nowhere near. You don't touch it for that price. I think around £100million-£110million, it's still ludicrous in terms of fees these days but in terms of the way the market has moved, it looks to be around that. Not being involved for the French Cup, it looks like it's imminent."
No pressure to replace Salah
Warnock also believes the 23-year-old wouldn't be under any pressure to become the next Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
"It's an interesting one," he added. "You say players can't be replaced but throughout the years you've gone from [Kenny] Dalglish to [Ian] Rush, [Luis] Suarez, [Steven] Gerrard. You find new players and you find different ways. I think Liverpool fans will be calm in the fact that it's not going to be Mohamed Salah, it's going to be a different type of player.
"If he can assist and provide and change games, then he'll become a legend straightaway and the fans will get right behind him. I don't think there will be that pressure to be the next Mohamed Salah. Because as you say, it's very difficult to replicate that."
Last week, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi provided a cryptic update on Barcola's future amid transfer speculation and reported interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
"We're working calmly," Al-Khelaifi said. "We don't talk too much. We get things done. All of our players are important. When they sign for PSG, they become important to us."
When asked about Barcola's situation, PSG boss Luis Enrique added: "When a player isn't smiling when he comes here, it's better to find another solution."
