Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola declined to confirm details of Liverpool's reported agreement to sign Bradley Barcola, while also refusing to guarantee that Cody Gakpo will remain at Anfield beyond the transfer deadline.
Liverpool are said to have struck a deal in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for the France international winger, with the fee reportedly set at just over £100m and potentially rising to £120m. The Reds have also seen two bids turned down for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and have registered interest in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, underlining their determination to strengthen out wide before the window shuts.
Asked directly about the Barcola situation, Iraola was careful not to discuss a player not yet officially registered with the club. "As you know, we are trying to sign in that position. We can't talk about players who right now aren't ours. But we are trying to improve and fill that position as we don't have the numbers. I hope we have good news soon but we are still not there," he said.
The futures of Liverpool's current wide options remain tied to how the market develops. Gakpo has reportedly attracted attention from both Tottenham and Manchester City, and any departure would likely only be sanctioned if Liverpool succeed in bringing in two new wingers. Iraola praised the Dutchman's recent form but stopped short of promising he would stay put.
"After the performance he had in the first game I say the same, he's playing very well for us. He's been very good since he's been back from the World Cup. The right attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level," Iraola said. "He can be very influential on us. When the market is open and we bring in expensive players, I cannot guarantee anything. But I don't know. Our players, I cannot guarantee anything about how many we are going to sign or whatever. Experience tells us that if there's an opportunity the last day you can do something."
The Spaniard also hinted that reinforcements might not be limited to the wide areas, though he conceded that squad numbers elsewhere could restrict what is possible before deadline day. "Ideally is the magic word. At the end, there are certain things you can lose and we don't know what we can do, but it's true the priority has been most in the wide areas. Still we have four or five days. I am sure if we can improve other areas we will, but I don't know how the market is going to finish," he explained.
Iraola admitted the uncertainty surrounding incomings and outgoings is a difficult period to navigate as a coach. "I have to be patient as well as you. It's very uncomfortable for me as you are dealing with uncertainties all the time. In four or five days we will know what we have and then we can make proper plans," he said, adding that he expects clarity once the window closes on September 2.
On team matters, Iraola also addressed his decision to leave Harvey Elliott out of the matchday squad for the 2-2 draw against Newcastle, opting instead for youngster James McConnell. Elliott endured a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa last season. "I can choose only 20 [in the squad] and it is about finding the balance on the bench. Harvey is trying and is improving every week but still I prefer other options. I decided to put James McConnell in the squad but it is a new week, a new chance for everyone," Iraola said.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Liverpool appear set for further movement in the wide positions, though the exact shape of the squad by September 2 remains unclear even to their own manager.
Based on reporting from The Independent and London Standard.