Liverpool are poised to hold late talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Bradley Barcola, with the Ligue 1 champions now demanding £114m for the French winger. The Reds have made Barcola their primary target in the closing days of the transfer window, with manager Andoni Iraola keen to strengthen his wide options.
PSG soften stance on Barcola fee
A deal has proven difficult throughout the summer, with PSG initially holding firm in their desire to secure around £145m for Barcola's signature. However, with time running down before Tuesday's deadline, that position appears to be softening.
According to The Times, the reigning Ligue 1 champions have reduced their asking price to approximately £114m, which would still make Barcola the second-most expensive signing in Liverpool's history. Club officials are expected to hold fresh discussions over the coming days, with a deal potentially on the cards.
Barcola's PSG exit path
Barcola, 23, has two years remaining on his contract at the Parc des Princes but has requested to leave after falling behind Desire Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the pecking order. PSG have also signed Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, further reducing Barcola's opportunities. He has since been excluded by manager Luis Enrique.
Should a deal progress as expected, Liverpool would finally secure the winger they have been searching for this summer. Speaking earlier this month, Iraola expressed his desire to add to his squad before the deadline.
"We will definitely sign some players," Iraola told Sky Sports. "Some deals you have to wait until the end. But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because it is true that we are still quite thin."
He added: "You are asking what we need, there are certain situations that for me are clear, especially on the wing because we don't have enough players specifically to play in those positions. And after in other positions we have to be open-minded in the market to see situations that honestly can improve our team."
Other targets and summer business
Barcola is not the only winger Liverpool have been linked with in recent days. They have also made multiple bids for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, although those offers have been turned down by the Seagulls.
Liverpool have endured a frustrating window but have managed to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna and Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona. Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Nduke also completed moves sealed in January, though Nduke has already gone back out on loan.
