Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on the signing of Barcelona star Ferran Torres, which could hand Liverpool a boost in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola. The Anfield outfit have been heavily linked with signing Barcola, 23, this summer as they look to strengthen their forward options.
Talks over Barcola deal
Liverpool have been in talks with PSG over a deal for Barcola, with the Ligue 1 giants believed to have placed a £140million valuation on the France international - a fee which the Reds are not expected to be willing to pay.
Andoni Iraola is preparing for his first season as Liverpool boss, and has added three new signings to his squad, with Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz arriving on permanent deals and Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.
PSG's Torres pursuit
Barcola remains firmly in Liverpool's sights, and a fresh development from PSG's end could now hand the Reds an encouraging boost. The Athletic have reported that PSG are on the brink of agreeing a deal to bring Ferran Torres to the club from Barcelona, though both sides are yet to finalise the specifics of the fee.
Should Torres complete his switch to PSG, the Spain international could be one of three new forwards to arrive at the reigning Champions League winners, with Maghnes Akliouche joining from Monaco and Mika Godts a target from Ajax.
Barcola's PSG future
Consequently, a move for Torres could signal that PSG may ultimately sanction Barcola's departure before the September 1 deadline. Barcola has been included in the PSG squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening, despite reports suggesting the 23-year-old has been suffering from illness in recent days ahead of the match.
PSG boss Luis Enrique was quizzed about Barcola's future at the club, and declined to address the speculation. Enrique said: "I don't know and I don't want to speak about any player individually, because it's always dangerous when you are asking something positive or negative about a player. I stay focused on my team."
The PSG manager was also asked about a potential move for Torres, responding: "I'm not here to talk about the transfer market... only about the players who are currently at PSG."
Liverpool's pre-season plans
Liverpool have two pre-season fixtures left this summer, facing Como in a double header at Anfield, before facing Newcastle United in their Premier League opener a week afterwards. Whether Liverpool will secure any additions before the Premier League campaign kicks off remains uncertain, with Barcola's PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye also referenced as a possible target.
