Liverpool's hopes of signing Paris Saint-Germain wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have received a significant boost after both players were left out of the squad for Sunday evening's French Super Cup match against Lens.
Transfer fee and competition
Barcola is Liverpool's primary target for the left wing, but the Reds may need to break their transfer record to secure the French international. PSG are demanding around £130 million, though Liverpool are working to reduce that figure.
Liverpool are looking for two wingers this summer, with Cody Gakpo still strongly linked to Tottenham. A right-winger is also needed to replace Mohamed Salah, who left on a free transfer and joined Turkish club Trabzonspor.
Mbaye as a cheaper option
Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old prospect, is well down the pecking order at PSG and would cost considerably less. Reports suggest £40 million could be enough to secure his signature.
With just over a fortnight left in the transfer window, Liverpool must act quickly. Enrique's decision to exclude both players from Sunday's fixture suggests PSG are willing to entertain offers.
Manager's comments and potential moves
Speaking before the match, Enrique was cautious about Barcola's future: "We have experience knowing that moments don't last forever. We have to be more attentive than usual because these moments don't last long, they're fleeting, but we want to keep winning, to be ambitious."
He added: "It's important to find players who love playing for PSG, who like our style. If a player doesn't arrive here with a smile, it's better to have other options."
If Barcola is signed, Liverpool may allow Gakpo to join Tottenham, who are among the Dutchman's suitors. Liverpool have already brought in Victor Munoz this summer, and he featured on the right against Como on Sunday.
Munoz replaced Rio Ngumoha, with Andoni Iraola still deciding how to fill Salah's role. Both Ngumoha and Munoz are natural left-wingers, so a right-sided player like Mbaye would be ideal. Jeremie Frimpong could also operate there, but he is needed at right-back to cover for the injured Conor Bradley.
