Liverpool handed Bradley Barcola boost as PSG line up €50m replacement

Liverpool's pursuit of Bradley Barcola has gathered momentum after Paris Saint-Germain reportedly moved to sign Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, potentially clearing the path for the French international to leave this summer.

The Reds have identified Barcola as their priority attacking target after missing out on highly-rated winger Yan Diomande, who is set to complete a blockbuster move to Real Madrid.

With PSG now closing in on Akliouche, Liverpool have been handed fresh encouragement in their efforts to land one of Europe's most exciting young forwards.

According to reports in France, PSG are set to complete the signing of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco in a deal worth around €50 million.

The arrival of the versatile attacker is expected to strengthen Luis Enrique's attacking options and could create room for Barcola to depart.

Liverpool are already in discussions with the Ligue 1 champions and believe the latest development significantly improves their chances of striking an agreement.

Liverpool accelerated their interest after missing out on Yan Diomande, who is expected to join Real Madrid in a deal worth more than €100 million.

The Reds are searching for a long-term replacement following Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of last season and have made Barcola their primary objective.

The 23-year-old is also reportedly reluctant to sign a new contract with PSG, further fuelling speculation over a move to Anfield.

However, Liverpool still face a major financial hurdle.

PSG are believed to value Barcola at around €170 million (£145 million), pointing to the inflated transfer market following several high-profile Premier League deals earlier this summer.

Despite PSG's public valuation, Liverpool hope the French champions' pursuit of Akliouche and Barcola's contract situation will eventually soften their stance.

The winger has entered the final years of his current deal, and Liverpool believe that could strengthen their negotiating position if talks continue into the latter stages of the transfer window.

With Diomande choosing Real Madrid over PSG, the French champions are also eager to reinforce their own attack quickly, making Akliouche's arrival increasingly important.

Liverpool are expected to continue negotiations with PSG in the hope that Akliouche's arrival creates the conditions for Barcola's departure. While the French club's valuation remains high, the Reds will hope further talks can reduce the asking price before the transfer window closes.