Liverpool are reportedly preparing an official bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, while conflicting reports surround teammate Ibrahim Mbaye and Curtis Jones' future at Anfield.
Barcola bid 'expected in the next days'
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are expected to make an official proposal for Barcola in the coming days. "I fully expect, in the next [few] days, not today, Liverpool to bid for Bradley Barcola," Romano said on his YouTube channel. French outlet Foot 01 claim the Reds have made a "significantly improved offer" of €135m (£115.5m), while TEAMtalk report a €115m (£98m) offer has been made.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi admitted negotiations were ongoing, while manager Luis Enrique said of Barcola: "When a player isn't smiling when he comes here, it's better to find another solution." The 23-year-old was left out of PSG's last two games, including the French Super Cup defeat to Lens.
Mbaye agreement claims but move 'unlikely'
RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins claims Mbaye has "agreed to a five-year contract with Liverpool," with Loic Tanzi adding that the Reds "are expected to send an initial offer to Paris for Ibrahim Mbaye in the coming days." However, the ECHO understands Liverpool are unlikely to pursue their interest in the 18-year-old Senegalese winger.
Jones exit 'white lie' claim
Italian outlet Sportmediaset claim Jones' "minor hip problems" are "more of a white lie to try to cover up a seemingly irreversible separation." Inter Milan are yet to meet Liverpool's €40m (£34.2m) valuation, though Romano says a new bid is "not linked to any other exit."
Journalist David Lynch told Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast there is "close to zero chance of a midfielder being signed this summer, even in the event that Curtis does leave," with Trey Nyoni potentially taking his minutes.
Other reports and nonsense of the day
Cody Gakpo is "not for sale," says The Athletic, though his future "will depend on any incoming business." Liverpool are also linked with FC Midtjylland's Dario Osorio, with Everton, Leeds, AC Milan and Arsenal also credited with interest.
Live4Liverpool's Michael Mongie has argued Liverpool should test the waters with an offer for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, though he admits such a move would be "fanciful" in a market where the Reds are already struggling to bring in priority targets.
