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Liverpool are making encouraging progress in their bid to sign Bradley Barcola before the transfer deadline, but landing his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye is turning out to be far more complicated. The huge valuation placed on the youngster by the French champions has become a major stumbling block, with the Senegalese winger's possible move to the Premier League slowing down in the closing days of the window.

Contrasting transfer progress

As per reports from RMC Sport and L'Equipe, talks over Barcola are advancing, but discussions over Mbaye are moving at a much slower pace. Paris Saint-Germain have asked for a hefty €70 million to let Mbaye leave this summer. In different rounds of talks, the French club have indicated a price ranging from €70m to €80m.

Although Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with the 18-year-old, they are not prepared to meet that valuation and rate him at closer to €50m. As a result, Liverpool are finding it difficult to move forward in their pursuit of Mbaye while also concentrating on Barcola.

Exploring alternative targets

The wide gap in valuation has pushed Liverpool to look at other possibilities. The club have opened up alternative transfer options, including Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, and internally there is no desire to increase their offer to €60m for Mbaye.

That reluctance remains despite Paris Saint-Germain telling Mbaye that he is free to leave the club, even though he still has two years remaining on his contract. The situation has led interested clubs to question whether Paris Saint-Germain truly want to sell Mbaye, especially given how firmly they are holding their position on the fee.

Left out of the squad

The uncertainty has affected both players, with reports stating that Barcola and Mbaye feel their respective transfer sagas have gone on for too long. Neither player is expected to be part of Luis Enrique's squad for Sunday's upcoming match against Rennes. Instead, new signings Ferran Torres and Mika Godts are expected to take their spots in the group. With only 10 days left in the transfer window, Mbaye could even look towards another club if Liverpool are unable to close the financial gap and instead make completing the Barcola deal their priority.

Decisive days ahead

Paris Saint-Germain now need to quickly find the right balance between their financial expectations and the practical need to move on players who are no longer part of their plans. Liverpool, meanwhile, must decide whether to return with an improved bid for Mbaye or focus entirely on getting the Barcola transfer over the line. The next few days will be decisive as both clubs work against the clock to find a final solution before the transfer window shuts.