Liverpool are working to reach an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola amid escalating valuations.
The 23-year-old France international has indicated he does not wish to sign a new contract with the European champions and is open to joining Liverpool, who have a long-held interest.
PSG are considering his sale but he still has two years left on his contract and they believe, based on his age, potential and current market prices, £140million is a fair reflection of his valuation.
Liverpool will seek a compromise on that with Barcola’s price reputed to have been closer to £75million last summer when they first sounded out his representatives.
Barcola is not a regular starter for Luis Enrique’s side and they have been pursuing RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, which would have pushed him further down the pecking order, only for Real Madrid to declare their intent to sign the Ivory Coast international on Friday – which is now close to completion.
Liverpool also had an £85million proposal rejected for Diomande, but Barcola has always been in their thinking.
Liverpool are working to complete a deal for £140million-rated PSG winger Bradley Barcola
He has the skillset to suit Andoni Iraola’s style and can provide a serious goal threat following the void left by Mo Salah’s departure.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich also retain interest in Barcola while Chelsea made enquiries earlier in the summer.
The Gunners are currently exploring the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid. Such a deal would require significant investment.
They also retain ambitious interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. However, it is understood Barcola would like to speak to Liverpool if they can agree terms with PSG.