Liverpool are preparing to submit an improved bid to Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola as negotiations over the French forward continue to gather momentum.
The 23-year-old has been identified by head coach Andoni Iraola and sporting director Richard Hughes as the primary attacking target to bolster the squad following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
The Reds have experienced a relatively quiet transfer window so far, with 23-year-old Spanish forward Victor Munoz representing the only major new signing, but efforts to secure Barcola indicate a clear intention to step up summer spending.
The French champions originally placed a massive valuation in excess of £145m on Barcola. However, recent developments elsewhere in Europe have worked in favour of the English side. German club Bayern Munich recently withdrew from the running after being priced out of the running. That decision leaves Liverpool in a clear position to dictate terms, with intermediaries working behind the scenes to negotiate a compromise between the two clubs.
Furthermore, PSG are already closing in on potential replacements, entering discussions with Ajax regarding a £51m deal for Mika Godts while also closing in on Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche for around £43m.
Reports emerging on Sunday suggest that the 23-year-old winger is increasingly open to the prospect of moving to England to spearhead the new era at Anfield under Iraola.
While PSG have so far been holding out for their full valuation, Liverpool have no intention of paying £145m and are attempting to structure an acceptable deal closer to £85m or £90m.
If an agreement can be reached over the coming days, bringing in the talented French forward would ahead of the opening Premier League fixture in three weeks would be perfect timing.
