Liverpool are preparing to step up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after the French champions lowered their asking price to a more sensible £128m.
The Reds have made the 23-year-old forward their top priority following the departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of the season.
PSG originally demanded an eye-watering £145m for the French international, but latest developments indicate that they are willing to negotiate a lower price.
Liverpool are currently preparing a revised counter offer in the region of £103m, with the player understood to be keen on making the switch to Anfield.
Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen believes the club must balance ambition with financial discipline as negotiations intensify.
“Barcola is obviously the big name on everybody’s lips right now,” he said. “It sounds like he might be available and expensive, but the club needs to make some form of statement signing up front.
“However, at some point you have to stand firm if numbers reach £145m, because that is truly eye-watering money.”
The potential arrival of Barcola has gained further momentum after Barcelona forward Ferran Torres agreed personal terms to join PSG.
That development is expected to clear the path for Barcola’s exit, with PSG also closing in on Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche and Ajax forward Mika Godts.
Andoni Iraola remains eager to integrate new signings before Liverpool open their domestic campaign at Newcastle United on 23 August.
With pre-season friendlies against Monaco and Como scheduled over the coming week, sporting director Richard Hughes is working against the clock to wrap up the deals as soon as possible.
