Paris Saint-Germain have opened talks to sign Ajax forward Mika Godts, according to Fabrizio Romano, in a move that suggests the Ligue 1 champions are preparing for life without Bradley Barcola.
Barcola, 23, has made clear he wants a new challenge after winning back-to-back Champions League titles in Paris. PSG boss Luis Enrique is reportedly willing to let him go this summer, with the French club believed to be holding out for £145m.
Liverpool's record bid
Liverpool are exploring a deal that would set a new Premier League transfer record. The £145m price tag would surpass the £125m the Reds paid for Alexander Isak last year and would rank as the third-most expensive transfer in football history, behind only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe's move to PSG.
Barcola delivered 13 goals and five assists in 46 appearances for PSG last season. On international duty, he scored three goals and provided one assist in eight World Cup appearances as France finished fourth.
PSG's replacement plan
Godts burst onto the scene last season with 17 goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions for Ajax. He has started the current campaign strongly, scoring twice in two appearances in Ajax's UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
His form was not enough to earn a call-up to Belgium's World Cup squad, a decision that raised eyebrows at the time. Regardless, PSG's pursuit of the Belgian winger signals they are lining up a successor to Barcola.
Enrique has also made it clear he only wants players who are 100 per cent committed to the club.
Quiet summer at Anfield
Beyond Barcola, Liverpool's transfer activity has been minimal. Jeremy Jacquet finally arrived seven months after a January deal was agreed, while Victor Munoz of Osasuna is the only other summer signing.
With Joe Gomez picking up an injury in the friendly against Sunderland, a new centre-back is believed to be on the club's shortlist.
Liverpool face Leeds United in Chicago before home friendlies against Monaco and FC Como. Andoni Iraola's first Premier League campaign as Reds manager kicks off away at Newcastle United on August 23.
