Liverpool have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, a move that could boost Manchester United's chances of landing the Senegal international.
Both Liverpool and United have been linked with Mbaye, but they face competition from Bayern Munich, Porto, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Roma and Aston Villa, all of whom have made enquiries with PSG.
Cost proves decisive for Liverpool
According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Liverpool held talks with agent Jorge Mendes over a possible transfer but stepped away after being told it would cost €200 million (£171m) to sign both Mbaye and key target Bradley Barcola. Liverpool remain in talks with PSG over a deal for Barcola.
While a deal for the Frenchman would account for the bulk of that figure, reports suggest PSG are seeking between €40m-€50m (£34.2m-£42.7m) for Mbaye. Liverpool consider that valuation excessive, prompting them to drop their interest.
PSG's Torres deal could open door
This development could give United an opening, particularly given PSG's recent transfer activity. The Athletic reports that the European champions have agreed a £42.7m fee with Barcelona to sign Ferran Torres.
His arrival at the Parc des Princes is set to further limit Mbaye's opportunities and make PSG more willing to consider a sale. AS reports that the club might even be prepared to approve a loan departure.
Mbaye's recent form and role
Mbaye remained on the bench throughout PSG's 2-1 European Super Cup triumph over Aston Villa on Wednesday night, despite netting the team's goal in the 1-1 pre-season stalemate against United the weekend before.
He featured 31 times across all competitions last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists. Only 11 of those outings saw him named in the starting XI. He predominantly operates on the right flank but can also play on the left.
Should United secure his signature, he would link up with Marcus Rashford, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, Patrick Dorgu and Shea Lacey as wide attacking options for Michael Carrick this season. United return to pre-season duty on Saturday when they face AC Milan (3.45pm kick-off), a fixture that could see Rashford make his comeback after returning from a loan spell with Barcelona.
