Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee that comes close to the British transfer record, but the deal represents a significant saving on the French club's original asking price.
The total cost of the transfer is reportedly made up of a £106million guaranteed payment plus another £17m in add-ons. That is £22m cheaper than the £145m PSG initially sought for their forward earlier this summer.
Why PSG lowered their demands
PSG's willingness to negotiate was influenced by their own summer business. Luis Enrique has added Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche to his creative options, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue already sat ahead of Barcola in the pecking order.
Despite the reduced price, the outlay remains substantial, and some may argue Barcola has yet to prove he warrants such an expense. However, Liverpool supporters will soon see the new signing in action at Anfield, with the board having negotiated a discount on the original valuation.
Fernandez Pardo poach reported
Liverpool could also be set to beat Newcastle to the signing of Lille forward Matias Fernandez Pardo, who is reportedly valued at around £60m. The Reds have already snatched Victor Munoz from Newcastle's sights this summer.
TEAMtalk reported Liverpool have made contact with Lille regarding a late bid, after The Telegraph reported Newcastle were accelerating their own pursuit of the youngster.
Fernandez-Pardo has operated largely as a striker for Lille and would provide back-up behind Alexander Isak, though he is also capable of playing on either flank. The 21-year-old presents a similar profile to Cody Gakpo and could be viewed as a replacement if the Dutchman leaves, with Gakpo continuing to be linked to Manchester City and Tottenham.
