Liverpool are still trying to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, but their hopes of also landing Ibrahim Mbaye are fading because a double deal would be too expensive.
Barcola Talks Continue
Andoni Iraola is looking for a new winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who left Anfield at the end of last season and joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer. Barcola has become Liverpool's main target, with the PSG winger close to leaving the club this summer.
Talks have been ongoing over the last few weeks, and Barcola has reportedly agreed personal terms on a provisional contract. His preferred destination is said to be Anfield, despite interest from other clubs, especially Arsenal.
Mbaye Pursuit Shelved
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are still in talks with PSG over Barcola, but they have put their pursuit of Mbaye on hold for now. The teenager, who scored against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly last week, is another player of interest to the Reds.
CaughtOffside reports that contact has already been made with Mbaye's agent, Jorge Mendes, about a move to Anfield. However, the financial cost of the deal has proven too expensive for Liverpool, who are not willing to proceed as things stand.
Cost of Double Deal
The reigning European champions reportedly want around £171m for both players, and Liverpool are refusing to pay that amount. As a result, a move for Mbaye looks unlikely, but Barcola remains eager to join Liverpool, and talks are progressing behind the scenes.
Iraola has already stressed the need for a new winger, saying last month: "There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyze what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have."
