Liverpool prepare opening bid for Paris St-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye
Liverpool are expected to submit an opening offer for Paris St-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye in the coming days as manager Andoni Iraola scrambles to bolster his depleted squad.
The Anfield club have endured a remarkably quiet summer transfer window despite losing key figures such as Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers.
Iraola has only managed to secure winger Victor Munoz and defender Jeremy Jacquet to date.
With the new Premier League campaign less than a week away, the 20-time English champions face a severe shortage of depth.
Barcola valuation proves prohibitive
Bradley Barcola remains the primary target for the Merseyside outfit ahead of the September deadline.
However, the French giants have placed an exorbitant £145m price tag on the international attacker.
This valuation has created a major stumbling block, even though the forward has reportedly agreed terms to join the Premier League side.
As a result, attention has increasingly shifted towards securing his Senegalese club-mate instead.
Leverkusen rival Reds for signature
French media report that a formal approach for Mbaye is now imminent following a flurry of transfer activity in the capital.
The current European champions recently recruited Spain international Ferran Torres from Barcelona alongside Ajax prospect Mika Godts.
These high-profile arrivals have paved the way for the promising African forward to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
The Anfield hierarchy will need to act swiftly, with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen also heavily monitoring the player’s situation.
Attacking reinforcements required
Liverpool currently rely on Alexander Isak to lead the line as their solitary senior orthodox striker.
Creative support is provided by an array of talent including Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Harvey Elliott.
Nevertheless, the current roster looks remarkably thin for a side holding ambitions of challenging for major honours.
With both the player eager to move and his current employers willing to negotiate, the onus now rests entirely on Fenway Sports Group to finalise the deal.