Liverpool are exploring the conditions of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who would reportedly be open to joining the Reds. Mbaye, 18, is being pursued separately to his PSG team-mate, Bradley Barcola, whose £145million valuation has seen the move stall.
Winger search intensifies
With less than a month to go until the summer transfer window closes, Liverpool are intent on signing at least one winger. It comes after Mo Salah departed Anfield earlier this summer while Cody Gakpo continues to be linked with an exit.
The Times report that Liverpool are interested in Mbaye, with PSG valuing him between €40m (£34m) and €50m (£42m). It's added that Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on the French-born Senegal international, who sources say would be attracted to Anfield.
Mbaye's profile and competition
Mbaye, who can play on either side of attack, became the youngest player to start a game for PSG at 16 years and six months old. But his pathway appears to be blocked with Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Barcola still at the club, while PSG have also made offers for Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche and Ajax's Mika Godts.
Liverpool previously wanted to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, making a bid worth £85m which was rejected. In any case, however, Diomande preferred a move to Real Madrid which he's now on the verge of getting. In addition, Liverpool kept tabs on Anthony Gordon before Newcastle sold him to Barcelona in a deal worth up to £69m. The Reds have already signed one wide forward this summer, welcoming Osasuna's Victor Munoz for £34m.
Right-wing need
But with Munoz being a left winger, Liverpool want someone for the opposite flank. That's the position which Salah had nailed down for nine years.
Mbaye, who joined PSG at the age of 10, has played on the right in 36 of his 47 senior appearances. In the role, he averages a goal or assist every other game. Mbaye scored one goal - notably against France - in four appearances for Senegal at the World Cup.
Manager's stance
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola made his desire for a winger clear at the start of pre-season. "There are obvious situations where we need to sign players," Iraola said. "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."
