How Liverpool's pursuit of Ibraim Mbaye will impact the Bradley Barcola deal
Liverpool's pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye is unlikely to have any impact on their efforts to sign Bradley Barcola, sources have told Football Insider.
Andoni Iraola is determined to bolster his attacking options, with the addition of two wingers now firmly on his radar in the final month of the summer transfer window.
Mbaye, 18, has emerged as the Reds' latest target alongside their efforts to sign Barcola, 23, as talks with Paris Saint-Germain are expected to ramp up in the coming days.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Mbaye is predominantly a right-sided winger, while Barcola plays on the left, and the deals will not conflict.
Iraola has been determined to strengthen his wide options following the departure of Mohamed Salah, while the lack of depth in those positions has become a major concern.
Pulling off a double deal for both Mbaye and Barcola from PSG would be a huge boost to their squad and their attempts to ease those concerns, with work now underway.
Are Liverpool making moves to sign Ibrahim Mbaye?
Football Insider revealed on 7 August that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Mbaye, having placed themselves ahead of European rivals in the race for his signature.
The Reds' public declaration of their interest in believed to have placed the young winger on alert, and he is believed to be keen to make the switch to Anfield.
Formal talks with PSG are likely to take place in the near future, while the discussions around Barcola are ongoing, with Liverpool keen to pull off both signings this month.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "With Liverpool now showing their cards and making their interest known, they’re hoping that will give them an advantage.
"PSG, I think reluctantly, would possibly let him move on with the plethora of attackers that they've got in their star-studded side.
"The player has found first-team football hard to come by under Luis Enrique, so Liverpool could look to capitalise on that.
"Obviously it's a separate deal to their pursuit of Bradley Barcola. Mbaye is more of a right-sided attacker, compared to Barcola who plays on the left, so they shouldn't have much of an impact on one another.
"Mbaye's ability to play on the right would fit the bill for what Liverpool are looking for, to bring in a replacement from Mohamed Salah.
"So they're actively exploring both deals right now, and they're hoping to make headway in the coming days and weeks."
What is the latest on Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola?
With Mbaye's potential move to Liverpool unlikely to have a direct impact on the pursuit of Barcola, much of the attention remains focused on bringing the France star to Anfield.
Barcola has been on the Reds' radar for multiple months now, with talks expected to ramp up in the coming weeks after he turned down a new contract at PSG.
Football Insider revealed on 1 August that Liverpool are hoping to agree terms with PSG for Barcola at a fee of around £100million, despite the French club's valuation.
The 23-year-old has expressed a desire to explore a potential move to Anfield, with PSG also open to a sale, but they have set his initial asking price at around £120million.
Liverpool are hopeful that they can knock his fee down in negotiations, with talks set to open between the clubs and the Reds line up an opening offer.