Paris Saint-Germain appear to have decided on a replacement for Bradley Barcola, should the forward join Liverpool. The Reds have been strongly linked with a Premier League record-breaking £145million move for the Frenchman, and it is understood that personal terms have already been agreed.
That leaves the focus on submitting a bid PSG will accept, with one encouraging sign being the Champions League holders' reported interest in Ajax winger Mika Godts. The Belgian is seen as a goalscoring wide player who could fill the void left by Barcola if the 23-year-old moves to Anfield.
PSG Open Talks for Mika Godts
According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have begun discussions for Godts, who recorded 17 goals and 15 assists across 44 outings in all competitions last season. He has already started this campaign impressively, netting two goals in two appearances during Ajax's recent UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
However, his displays did not earn him a place in Belgium's squad for the World Cup, a decision that surprised many observers at the time. Regardless, the fact PSG are planning for Barcola's potential departure suggests there is a substantial chance Liverpool will successfully secure his signature.
Barcola's Numbers and Record Fee
Barcola contributed 13 goals and five assists across 46 outings for the French champions last season. He also managed three goals and one assist in eight World Cup matches for France, who ultimately finished fourth in the tournament.
The fee being discussed is £145m, which would easily eclipse the £125m Liverpool paid out last year for Alexander Isak. It would also represent a Premier League transfer record and the third-most costly move in football history, with only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe's switches to PSG ranking higher. It has also been suggested that PSG coach Luis Enrique has made it clear he only wants players fully devoted to the club.
Quiet Summer Elsewhere at Anfield
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool's transfer activity has been relatively subdued. Jeremy Jacquet finally joined the club seven months after a deal was agreed in January, while Victor Munoz of Osasuna is the only other arrival this summer.
With Joe Gomez recently sustaining an injury in the friendly against Sunderland, a new central defender is also thought to be on the club's agenda. There is still time for deals to be completed before the new season begins.
Liverpool are set to face Leeds United in Chicago, followed by two friendlies at Anfield against Monaco and FC Como. Andoni Iraola's first Premier League season as Reds manager will then kick off with an away fixture against Newcastle United on 23 August.
