Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool restarted discussions over the transfer of Bradley Barcola on Tuesday, as the Premier League club makes a renewed attempt to complete a deal before the close of the transfer window, sources told ESPN.
A first offer, believed to be around £90 million ($122.3m), was rejected by PSG earlier this month, with the French and European champions seeking a fee of £135 million ($184.2m) for their French international winger.
The possible departure of Cody Gakpo, linked with Tottenham and Manchester City, could unlock the deal for Barcola by providing the Reds the necessary funds to recruit the former Lyon player.
Liverpool agreed personal terms with Barcola, who has been the priority signing for the Merseyside club all summer, some time ago. However, Barcola, who has two years left on his contract, is not forcing a move out of the French capital and is not adverse to staying put.
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All parties, though, now believe a deal is possible before the end of the transfer window on Sept. 1, although there is still some way to go. PSG are expecting a new improved offer in the next 24 or 48 hours, which could be decisive.
On Sunday, PSG sporting director, Luis Campos acknowledged that the transfer window was still very much open for PSG and that many things could still happen.
Barcola, who will turn 24 next week, appeared in all eight of France‘s games as they finished fourth at this summer’s World Cup. He has yet to feature for PSG in three games this season.
Also on Tuesday, PSG announced that Ousmane Dembélé will miss the club’s game against Lille on Friday after being granted “a period of rest.”
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The Ballon d’Or winner has been sparingly used since returning from his World Cup exploits with France, playing no more than 45 minutes in any of PSG’s first three games of the season.
“In agreement with the coach and the sporting management, Ousmane Dembélé will benefit from a period of rest in the coming days,” the club said in a statement.
“He will resume training on Monday with the entire group.”
PA contributed to this report.
