Paris Saint-Germain have named Liverpool-linked Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye in their squad for tonight's French Super Cup final against Lens. The development follows PSG's signing of winger Mika Godts from Ajax on Saturday, which appeared to offer the Reds some encouragement in their pursuit of both forwards.
Liverpool's pursuit faces setback
Andoni Iraola's side are understood to be readying a significant offer for Barcola after PSG signed Godts, Maghnes Akliouche and Spain World Cup winner Ferran Torres this summer. France international Barcola has drawn considerable attention at Anfield as Liverpool seek to bolster their attack, but his £130million price tag is believed to be a sticking point.
Mbaye, by contrast, would represent a significantly more affordable option for the Reds, with recent reports suggesting Liverpool could table a £42m offer for the 18-year-old. Yet a potential move to Merseyside for either player appears to remain some distance away.
PSG's attacking depth
European and French champions PSG have confirmed that Barcola and Mbaye are in contention to play against last season's Ligue 1 runners-up Lens tonight. That they have both been named in the squad is bad news for Liverpool, who have been frustrated in their attempts to sign the duo.
Enrique's side now have an abundance of forwards at their disposal, with Torres and Godts joining Akliouche as new attacking reinforcements this summer. With such a wealth of forwards available, it suggests Liverpool still have a chance to sign Barcola and Mbaye, but any deals will have to wait a while longer.
Player stats and Liverpool's needs
Barcola netted 13 times and contributed seven assists in all competitions last season as PSG claimed the Ligue 1 title and back-to-back Champions League glory. Young prospect Mbaye, meanwhile, found the net three times and laid on two assists in 29 outings for the French capital club.
Both players would deliver a desperately needed attacking injection for Iraola following the Reds' farewell to Mohamed Salah. Liverpool have secured the signings of Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo thus far this summer, but speaking last month, Iraola acknowledged his team has 'obvious' positions to strengthen in the transfer window.
The 44-year-old said, "I think it is difficult to say a number. When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have. We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust, but it is still not the ideal situation, so it will depend on a lot of things."
Liverpool kick off the new campaign at Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23 (4.30pm).
