Liverpool are preparing to submit a bid for Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, according to reports in France. The Premier League club's move comes after Manchester United and several other European sides made enquiries for the 18-year-old this summer.
Mbaye has been with PSG's academy since the age of 10 and made his first-team debut under Luis Enrique two years ago. Last season, he scored three goals and registered two assists in 29 appearances for PSG, helping the club win both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Mbaye's reduced role at PSG
After returning from Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations campaign at the end of January, Mbaye was used sparingly by Luis Enrique and was left out of the squad for PSG's derby against Lyon in April. Luis Enrique explained his decision, saying: 'Every minute you can play at PSG has to be special. I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players. It's simply competition, a player has to stay out of the team. You have to enjoy every minute.'
At the World Cup this summer, Mbaye made four appearances and scored after coming off the bench in Senegal's 3-1 defeat to France.
Liverpool's pursuit and competition
Liverpool have already held extensive talks with PSG to sign Bradley Barcola this summer, but according to L'Equipe, the Premier League club are planning to submit an opening bid for Mbaye 'in the coming days'. The report adds that Liverpool will hold a fresh round of negotiations with PSG over a deal for Barcola next week.
PSG continue to demand a €150m (£128m) transfer fee for Barcola, which Liverpool have been unable to match so far. Earlier this week, Spanish outlet AS claimed that Liverpool face strong competition for Mbaye, as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Porto, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Roma have all made enquiries this summer.
PSG's asking price and potential impact
PSG are understood to be open to selling Mbaye but will demand a transfer fee in excess of €50 million (£42.7m). If Liverpool secure Mbaye, he would add youthful depth to their attacking options, while a sale could help PSG fund other moves. The coming days will be crucial as Liverpool look to finalise their bid and fend off competition from several top European clubs.
