Liverpool have been warned they face a difficult task in persuading Paris Saint-Germain to part ways with Bradley Barcola - despite the France international being touted as the "only" successor to Mohamed Salah.
The Reds are in dialogue with PSG over the potential transfer as they continue to seek further reinforcements in attack following the departure of Salah and the long-term injury suffered by Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool have already held preliminary talks with the winger's representatives and have been given encouraging signals from the player's camp over a potential switch to Anfield.
PSG's valuation and stance
PSG, though, are under no pressure to sell with reports in France having previously stated they value the 23-year-old winger at around £140million, far in excess of Liverpool's club record £125m outlay for Alexander Isak last season.
And former France international Claude Makelele believes that while Barcola can be the right purchase for Liverpool, it will be a challenge to agree a deal with the Champions League holders.
Makelele's verdict
"For me, the only player who could come to Liverpool and replace Mohamed Salah would be Bradley Barcola because he's so young and very fast, and has that same speed and promise that Salah provided to Liverpool," said Makelele, speaking to ComeOn.
"That would be the choice I would make but Paris Saint-Germain would never let a player like that leave their squad."
"Even so, if I was Liverpool I'd go for Barcola."
