Paris Saint-Germain have named Liverpool-linked Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye in their squad for Sunday evening's French Super Cup final against Lens. The development follows PSG's signing of winger Mika Godts from Ajax on Saturday, providing the Reds with encouragement in their pursuit of either Barcola or Mbaye.
Transfer interest in Barcola and Mbaye
Andoni Iraola's side are thought to be readying a substantial offer for the former after Luis Enrique brought in Godts and Spanish World Cup winner Ferran Torres to bolster his squad this summer. France international Barcola has generated considerable attention at Anfield as Liverpool seek to significantly strengthen their attack. The £130million price tag is, however, understood to be a stumbling block.
Mbaye, by contrast, would represent a far more affordable alternative for the Reds. Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool might also deem the 18-year-old's £42m price tag too expensive and pull out. Both wingers have been heavily linked for weeks, but a possible 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 poised to feature against last season's Ligue 1 runners-up, Lens, on Sunday. That said, Enrique's squad are now packed with wide players. Torres and Godts have joined French forward Maghnes Akliouche as attacking reinforcements to the Spaniard's ranks this summer.
And with such an abundance of wingers at their disposal, it indicates that at least one of Barcola and Mbaye is heading for the exit. Whether PSG are prepared to reduce their asking price for the former, though, remains uncertain.
Player stats and Liverpool's needs
Barcola netted 13 goals and contributed seven assists in all competitions last season as PSG clinched Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Young prospect Mbaye, meanwhile, notched three goals and provided two assists in 29 outings for the Parisian club.
Both players would offer a much-needed offensive lift for Iraola following the Reds' farewell to Mohamed Salah. Liverpool have wrapped up the acquisitions of Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo thus far this summer, but speaking last month, Iraola acknowledged his side has 'obvious' areas 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 analyze 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 begin the new campaign at Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23 (4:30pm).
