Sources: Liverpool in pole position to sign Bradley Barcola's teammate at PSG
Liverpool have positioned themselves as the front-runners to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Ibrahim Mbaye, sources have Football Insider.
The 18-year-old has emerged as a target for Andoni Iraola's side as they aim to strengthen out wide, and is expected to be available given the squad depth on show at PSG.
Despite rival interest from a number of clubs across European football, the Reds have put themselves in a strong position to steal a march on their competition for the teenage teammate of top target Bradley Barcola.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool believe they have an advantage in their pursuit of Mbaye after making their interest public.
Despite his young age, the winger has already made 42 appearances for PSG and 15 for the Senegal national team, and is one of the most highly regarded prospects in Europe.
Mbaye now has just two years reamaining on his contract at PSG and is unlikely to put pen to paper on a new deal, potentially opening the door for Liverpool to swoop.
Could Liverpool make a move for Ibrahim Mbaye?
Liverpool's interest in Mbaye has emerged in recent days as they step up efforts to bring in at least one new winger in the final month of the summer transfer window.
Despite facing rival interest from elsewhere, the Reds have now gone public with their interest, and that is expected to turn his head with the possibility of a move to Anfield.
PSG are also expected to be open to his departure for the right price this summer, despite rating him highly, and Liverpool are now expected to step up their interest.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Liverpool are trying to put themselves in a position where they could be frontrunners for Ibrahim Mbaye.
"With Liverpool now showing their cards and making their interest known, they’re hoping that will give them an advantage, but there is a bit of a battle for his signature right now.
"PSG, I think, reluctantly would possibly let him move on with the plethora of attackers that they've got in their star-studded side.
"Liverpool will be hoping to make headway on a potential deal in the coming days and weeks and they'll be hoping they can possibly get a deal done for the 18 year old as soon as possible."
Which other clubs are interested in Mbaye?
Despite growing interest from Liverpool, they are far from the only club interested in signig Mbaye this summer, and will face stiff competition for his signature.
Bundesliga duo Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also firmly in the race, with the former already pushing to do a deal as they aim to get ahead of their rivals.
Meanwhile, former Aston Villa scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 23 July that Villa and Man City are also in the race to sign Mbaye if he becomes available.
Unai Emery's side are expected to step up their interest in a number of attacking players following Morgan Rogers' big-money move to Chelsea last month.
Meanwhile, Man City have been impressed by the teenager's performances, but it appears Liverpool have moved ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race to sign Mbaye.