Liverpool are set for talks with Paris Saint-Germain as they ramp up their pursuit of France international Bradley Barcola. The Reds have already held preliminary discussions with the winger's representatives and received encouraging signals from the player's camp regarding a switch to Anfield. Now, Liverpool are preparing to enter negotiations with PSG for the 23-year-old, who is valued at well over £100m.
Club-record fee possible
Barcola is expected to command a fee in the region of £140m, which would surpass the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle United for Alexander Isak last year and become the club's most expensive signing. Reports in France claim Barcola has verbally agreed to join the Reds if an agreement can be reached between the clubs.
While suggestions earlier this week that talks were already underway with PSG were premature, Liverpool are now ready to hold discussions with the European champions. Barcola has two years remaining on his contract at the Parc des Princes, and PSG had been eager to tie him to a new deal. However, over a year after those initial plans, he remains on the same terms and is reluctant to enter into extension talks.
Timing of transfer
This summer likely represents the final transfer window in which PSG can sell Barcola at his true value. Although the Ligue 1 holders may be hesitant to listen to offers, Liverpool believe negotiations could prove productive. The Reds have already signed Spain international winger Victor Munoz this summer after triggering his £34.5m release clause at Osasuna, but manager Andoni Iraola has emphasised the need for further reinforcements out wide.
Speaking at a press conference in Chicago last week, Iraola said: "You have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. A winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have."
