Liverpool are closing in on the loan signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, with a medical scheduled for Sunday, the same day new manager Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first match at Anfield against Monaco.
Araujo deal details
The Reds have an option, not an obligation, to buy the 27-year-old for £47.1 million after his one-year loan spell, according to reports. Araujo is set to fly to Liverpool on Sunday to complete the move.
He did not travel with Barcelona's squad for their triangular tournament matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese on Saturday night. He was filmed leaving Barcelona's training centre and thanked fans who bid him farewell.
Barcola transfer boost
Liverpool are also negotiating a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with preliminary talks held with his representatives. However, the deal is complicated by valuation differences, as PSG want £145 million, which Liverpool are unwilling to pay.
Another option is Barcola's teammate Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old Senegalese winger who impressed at the World Cup and is on Liverpool's radar.
Liverpool's chances of signing either player could be boosted by reports that Barcelona's Ferran Torres wants a move to PSG. Marca claims talks are underway for the World Cup winner, and he has informed Barcelona he wants the move, with personal terms agreed. Should Torres be signed, it would increase the likelihood of Barcola or Mbaye being sold, allowing Liverpool to pounce.
