Liverpool have less than a week until the summer transfer window closes as they look to significantly strengthen their squad. Andoni Iraola's side were held to a frustrating draw by Newcastle on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, a match that highlighted what the Reds are missing: blistering pace in wide areas and solidity in the centre of midfield.
With Liverpool reportedly in discussions with PSG regarding a deal for Bradley Barcola and Brighton over Yankuba Minteh, reinforcements on the flanks may well be imminent. Nevertheless, the Reds' predicament in midfield remains an altogether different challenge.
Sign Barcola
It is the transfer saga that appears to have no end in sight. Barcola, 23, has been a primary target for Liverpool all summer long, and the Reds must push the deal through before the deadline. The two clubs have been engaged in protracted negotiations for some time.
Luis Enrique's side are reportedly demanding a fee of around £140million to sell the France international. While financial terms are yet to be agreed, it's claimed that Barcola is open to the idea of joining Liverpool. His willingness could prove instrumental in facilitating a transfer, particularly after PSG brought in Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts.
Reports suggest a figure of between £111m and £128m would be sufficient for the Reds to land their long-coveted target.
Bring in Salah's replacement
It has been a lengthy wait, but could Minteh prove to be Salah's successor at Liverpool? The mercurial Egyptian left Anfield earlier this summer, and progress towards signing a right winger appeared to have ground to a halt. However, Liverpool have seen bids in the region of £50m and £60m knocked back by the Seagulls for their prized asset in recent days.
Minteh is believed to be valued in excess of £70m, with the Reds weighing up a third offer. Much like Barcola, while a transfer fee is yet to be settled between the two clubs, Minteh is reportedly eager to make the move to Anfield and is already thought to have agreed personal terms.
He will provide natural width, and while he is presently sidelined through injury, he has established himself as an aggressive creator across his two campaigns with Brighton. His goalscoring record, just 10 across two years, would require improvement but at only 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to add more strings to his bow.
Recruit a midfielder
It's the one area of the pitch that many Liverpool supporters are demanding to be addressed, and arguably the one that won't be. Not in this window, at any rate. The departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan has left many fans worried that the Reds are leaving themselves lacking in the middle this season.
Their problems were brutally exposed against Newcastle. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were frequently outnumbered and struggled to recover ground as the Magpies broke forward. It's understood Reds youngster Trey Nyoni will be given an opportunity this season, though the teenager didn't feature at St James' Park. Alexis Mac Allister did offer resilience when he entered the fray, but wasn't considered strong enough to start the match.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton would be a perfect signing, but the London outfit are unwilling to part with one of their star players with under a week remaining until the window shuts. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Monaco's Lamine Camara would all certainly bring solidity, but for the moment, it appears the Reds are entirely concentrated on strengthening their attacking options.
