Liverpool are pressing ahead with an ambitious late push in the transfer window, exploring multiple avenues to bolster their attacking options before the deadline, though talks over two Paris Saint-Germain wingers remain unresolved.
The Reds have been attempting to negotiate deals for both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, but the two clubs are said to be far apart on valuations for the pair. PSG manager Luis Enrique left both players out of his squad for last weekend's surprising 1-0 French Super Cup defeat to Lens, a decision widely linked to the uncertainty surrounding their futures at the club.
According to RMC Sport, that stance was maintained as PSG opened their Ligue 1 title defence away to Rennes on Sunday evening, with neither Barcola nor Mbaye involved despite both training normally the previous morning. The report further suggested that both players are now expected to depart the Parc des Princes before the transfer window closes, fueling speculation that a move to Anfield could yet materialize.
However, Liverpool's interest is not confined to the PSG pair as the club looks to strengthen multiple positions in a busy closing stretch of the window. Talks are also ongoing over Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, with Liverpool believed to be considering a third bid after having two offers turned down in recent days — reportedly worth £50million and £60million respectively.
Minteh, capped internationally by Gambia, is said to be valued by Brighton at close to £70million. As with Barcola and Mbaye, reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed between the player and Liverpool, leaving a fee to be settled between the clubs as the main obstacle. Complicating matters, Minteh underwent leg surgery during the summer and may not be available to play again until November, a factor that could influence how negotiations unfold.
With Minteh sidelined for the foreseeable future, Brighton are reportedly lining up a potential replacement of their own. According to talkSPORT, the Seagulls are keeping tabs on Yeremay Hernandez, a forward at Deportivo La Coruna who is also understood to be a target for Hull City.
Adding a further twist to Liverpool's search for attacking depth, The Times reported on Friday that the club had made contact with Real Madrid regarding the availability of Brazilian forward Endrick. The 20-year-old has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu since his move from Palmeiras, but showed signs of progress during a loan spell at Lyon in the second half of last season, contributing eight goals and eight assists across 21 appearances.
That loan spell appears to have reignited interest in the young striker, and Liverpool's enquiry suggests they see him as a viable option to add firepower to their attack, whether as a long-term prospect or more immediate squad addition.
With several deals in motion and only days remaining before the window shuts, Liverpool's business is likely to accelerate rapidly. Whether that results in one, several, or none of the reported targets arriving at Anfield remains to be seen, but the club's activity underlines a clear intent to add further quality to their forward line before deadline day arrives.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football), RMC Sport, talkSPORT, and The Times.