Liverpool prioritise Bradley Barcola as Ibrahim Mbaye interest explained

Liverpool remain interested in Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye, but the teenager is not their first-choice attacking target as the Reds prioritise a move for Bradley Barcola.

The two PSG forwards have both been linked with moves to Anfield as Liverpool look to strengthen their attack before the transfer deadline.

However, French journalist Romain Molina has played down suggestions that Liverpool are currently pushing hard for Mbaye, revealing that the youngster is on their shortlist rather than at the top of it.

Liverpool have been monitoring several wide attackers during the closing stages of the summer window, and Mbaye is among the players under consideration.

That does not necessarily mean a move is imminent.

Speaking about Liverpool's interest, Molina said: "Truthfully, Mbaye is on Liverpool's shortlist but not as the No. 1 choice."

Instead, Mbaye's situation could develop later in the window depending on what opportunities emerge and the work of his agent, Jorge Mendes.

Molina believes Mendes expects an opportunity to emerge for Mbaye before the deadline and could use his relationships with interested clubs to facilitate a transfer.

For Liverpool, though, another PSG winger currently appears to be the bigger priority.

Bradley Barcola remains the more prominent target for Liverpool as they attempt to add another major attacking option.

That makes suggestions of an immediate double deal for Barcola and Mbaye appear less straightforward.

PSG's financial demands are another major consideration. A deal involving both players could reportedly cost more than £150m combined, making a double raid an enormous investment even for a Liverpool side determined to strengthen.

Molina also suggested Mendes does not have the same level of influence at Liverpool that he enjoys with some other European clubs.

That could become significant if Mbaye's representatives begin exploring alternatives towards the end of the window.

Liverpool are not restricting their search to PSG.

Yankuba Minteh, Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Rayan have also been tracked as possible wide additions should Liverpool decide against pursuing Mbaye.

Said El Mala is another name linked with a move to Anfield.

The Köln attacker can operate on either wing and through the middle, potentially giving Liverpool another versatile option. Borussia Dortmund had previously been linked with El Mala but have reportedly withdrawn from the race.

He is said to have a €50m (£42.7m) release clause, which could make his situation worth monitoring if Liverpool fail to secure their preferred targets.

For now, however, the hierarchy appears clear. Mbaye is admired, but Barcola is the PSG attacker Liverpool are prioritising.

Liverpool's efforts to strengthen their attack are expected to centre primarily on Barcola, with Mbaye remaining an alternative rather than the leading option.

The cost of dealing with PSG could ultimately determine whether Liverpool continue down that route or switch their attention elsewhere.

With several alternatives already identified, Liverpool have options if their Barcola pursuit fails to produce an agreement, while Mbaye's situation could become one to watch as the transfer deadline gets closer.