Liverpool have received encouragement in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as they look to replace Mohamed Salah. The 23-year-old has signalled his intention to depart the reigning European champions.
According to French publication Mercato, Barcola, who has two years remaining on his PSG contract, is no longer in talks over a new deal. However, the Reds face a significant hurdle in the enormous fee PSG have placed on the forward.
Barcola's £140m Price Tag
PSG consider £140 million a reasonable valuation given Barcola's standing and the current market, referencing Morgan Rogers' £117m transfer to Chelsea. The Daily Mail reports Liverpool are seeking a reduction on that asking price, with the France international willing to enter discussions with the Merseyside club.
The Reds turned to Barcola after their bid for Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig collapsed. Diomande is now potentially heading to Real Madrid.
Diomande Nears Real Madrid Move
Real Madrid have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to land Diomande for £115 million. The Spanish giants struck a deal with RB Leipzig after finally meeting the Bundesliga club's valuation.
Liverpool had been linked with the 19-year-old earlier in the summer but were reluctant to meet Leipzig's price. An £85m offer was rejected, and the Reds did not return with an enhanced proposal. PSG also showed interest, with Diomande said to have agreed personal terms, but they failed to match the transfer fee.
Real's initial £85.4m approach was turned down on Friday, and PSG had a final £102.5m bid rejected on Sunday. Los Blancos then tabled a second offer of around £115m, with talks ongoing, according to talkSPORT. Diomande is understood to have agreed a five-year contract with Real Madrid.
