Liverpool have been boosted in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola after Paris Saint-Germain announced the signing of Ferran Torres.
The Champions League winners have been strengthening their depth across the frontline, signing Maghnes Akliouche and now former Manchester City forward Torres, which indicates that Barcola, now Liverpool’s top transfer target, could be set to leave the Parc des Princes.
The Reds have been locked in talks over a potential deal for the 23-year-old, who Paris have put a £145million price tag on.
Torres, who netted the winner in the World Cup final earlier this year, has moved to Ligue 1 from Barcelona for a fee in the region of £42.75m, having struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in Hansi Flick’s side.
His arrival means that Paris are now overloaded with options in their attacking third, with Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ibrahim Mbaye and Akliouche all set to compete with Torres for a place in Luis Enrique’s starting XI.
Midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery and Senny Mayulu have also been fielded in the final third previously.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are scrambling for signings as the Premier League season fast approaches.
Andoni Iraola has come in from Bournemouth, taking over from the departed Arne Slot, but he has only been able to welcome two new signings, with Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo arriving from Osasuna and Barcelona respectively.
Jeremy Jacquet also completed his January switch from Rennes earlier this summer, but he has been on the comeback trail from shoulder surgery, and he has yet to feature in pre-season for his new club after suffering an injury setback.
The Reds are light in attacking areas too, with Hugo Ekitike ruled out long term with an Achilles rupture, while Mohamed Salah, who left the club upon the expiry of his contract, has yet to be replaced, hence their interest in Barcola. Tottenham also hold a reported interest in Cody Gakpo, but it is believed that the Merseysiders do not want to action a sale.
