Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly prepared to lower their asking price for winger Bradley Barcola, with Liverpool closing in on a deal before the September 1 transfer deadline. The Reds have been pursuing the 23-year-old French international for months, but PSG's initial valuation of £145million had stalled negotiations.
According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, PSG are now offering a "discount" on that figure, with a revised price tag of between £110m and £120m. The European champions reportedly view the compromise as a "small gesture" intended to encourage Liverpool to intensify their pursuit of Barcola.
PSG's revised stance
However, the publication cautions that "PSG are under no obligation to sell" and will remain resolute in refusing to be more "generous" regarding their revised valuation. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that a deal to bring Barcola to Anfield will now "accelerate," with Liverpool "pushing" to conclude the transfer.
Liverpool fans were given a glimpse of the team's future under Andoni Iraola at the weekend, as the Reds secured a 2-0 victory over Como. Defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo made their debuts for the club in an experienced starting line-up, but supporters remain optimistic that a place in Iraola's first XI is still available for Barcola.
Alisson transfer U-turn explained
Additional details have emerged regarding Juventus' failed attempt to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson earlier this summer. The Serie A outfit made an early approach for the 33-year-old, but their initial proposal was deemed nowhere near acceptable by the Reds.
Reporter Gianluca Di Marzio revealed on his podcast that Alisson had "already reached an agreement" on personal terms with Juventus and had even chosen his shirt number. However, Liverpool opted to retain their No. 1 for at least another season following the extension of his contract.
With Liverpool determined to keep Alisson, Juventus turned their focus towards Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Martinez's position at Villa is uncertain as the club close in on a deal for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, while Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario is set to move to Turin on loan.
Alisson commits to Iraola era
Alisson featured for Liverpool in Sunday's victory over Como and reaffirmed his dedication for the season ahead. "All the boys did well, the back four did really well, the players in midfield run a lot and fight a lot to get the results and that's the spirit we have to keep on going for the next games," he said.
"I am really excited and looking forward, but [with] feet on the ground. We dream big but we work hard. That's the thing we have to do. We still have things to improve and don't have consistency for the full game, but we are going to get there."
