Liverpool have received a potential boost in their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, as the Ligue 1 club edges closer to securing a replacement. The Reds have been in talks with PSG over a deal for the France international, but no agreement has been reached so far.
PSG close on Ferran Torres
According to The Athletic, PSG are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Ferran Torres from Barcelona, although the two clubs have yet to finalise the fee details. If Torres moves to Paris, the Spain international could be one of three new forwards to join the reigning Champions League winners, with Maghnes Akliouche arriving from Monaco and Mika Godts a target from Ajax.
PSG have reportedly set an asking price of around £140million for Barcola, a fee Liverpool are not prepared to meet. However, a move for Torres could signal that Barcola will eventually be allowed to leave the club this summer before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Barcola named in Super Cup squad
Barcola has been included in the PSG squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, despite reports that the 23-year-old has been suffering from illness in the days leading up to the fixture.
PSG manager Luis Enrique was asked about Barcola's future at the club but refused to comment on the speculation. Enrique said: "I don't know and I don't want to speak about any player individually, because it's always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team."
When asked about a potential move for Torres, Enrique added: "I'm not here to talk about the transfer market… only about the players who are currently at PSG."
Liverpool's pre-season plans
Liverpool have two pre-season friendlies remaining this summer, facing Como in a double header at Anfield before taking on Newcastle United in their Premier League opener a week later. It remains to be seen if the Reds will make any signings before the season begins, with Barcola's PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye also mentioned as a potential target.
