Paris Saint-Germain have left Liverpool-linked wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye out of their squad for Sunday's Ligue 1 opener against Rennes. The French champions reportedly want a combined total of €204m (£175m) for the pair.
Both players were also absent from PSG's squad for their French Super Cup defeat to Lens last weekend. Their omission comes after the European and French champions signed wingers Mika Godts from Ajax and Spain's World Cup winner Ferran Torres from Barcelona this summer.
PSG squad depth fuels Liverpool interest
Manager Luis Enrique's squad is now crowded with attacking options, particularly in wide areas, and Andoni Iraola's Liverpool team could be the biggest beneficiaries. Barcola is understood to be keen on joining Iraola's side, but PSG's £130m valuation is seen as a potential obstacle.
French media have recently reported that an offer between £111m and £128m could secure a deal for the 24-year-old. Mbaye, meanwhile, is a much cheaper option, with reports suggesting the forward could be available for between £30m and £45m.
Mbaye deal reportedly close
The French media have also claimed that Liverpool have reached an agreement with the 18-year-old on financial terms and a five-year contract. Both players would provide an attacking boost for Iraola after the Reds lost Mohamed Salah.
Barcola scored 13 goals and registered seven assists across all competitions last season as PSG won Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Mbaye scored three goals and recorded two assists in 29 appearances for the Parisian club.
Iraola admits need for wingers
Enrique was asked about Barcola's future before the UEFA Super Cup earlier this month but stayed tight-lipped. He 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."
Iraola has made clear his side need more options in wide areas. The 44-year-old said: "In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that, for me, are clear, especially on the wing because we do not have enough players able to play in those positions." He added: "It is not about signing a player because we need someone in a particular position. No. It is about improving the squad."
