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Liverpool are keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, with the 18-year-old looking for greater game time away from the French capital this summer. The Senegal international is open to a possible switch to Anfield, although Bayer Leverkusen are already in direct club-to-club talks to sign him.

Liverpool target PSG prospect Mbaye

Liverpool are interested in PSG wide player Mbaye as the 18-year-old looks for more regular minutes, according to GiveMeSport. The Senegal international is expected to leave Paris this summer in pursuit of assured first-team opportunities. PSG are likely to demand at least €50m for the gifted forward, and that figure could rise further in an inflated market.

While Liverpool have not yet submitted a formal bid, Mbaye is believed to be keen on the prospect of moving to Anfield. The Reds are facing strong competition for his signature, with Bayer Leverkusen already engaged in direct talks with the PSG hierarchy. Even so, Mbaye is ready to consider every option and would be receptive to an official approach from the Premier League club.

Leverkusen lead race as competition intensifies

Leverkusen have made notable headway in the chase for Mbaye after talks between Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Fernando Carro. The two club chiefs share an excellent relationship, putting the German side in a strong position during negotiations. Even so, Mbaye's route into the PSG side is becoming increasingly congested. Labelled an African 'phenomenon', the winger made 24 appearances and scored three goals in Ligue 1 last season, but had to compete heavily with Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.

In addition, PSG are pushing to add more wide attackers, with Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche set to arrive for about €50m. With PSG also looking at another winger after missing out on Yan Diomande, who is heading to Real Madrid, Mbaye's chances of regular minutes in Paris would be reduced even further.

Barcola talks held up by valuation gap

Mbaye is not the only PSG winger being looked at by Liverpool, as the Reds continue to examine a blockbuster move for Barcola. Initial discussions have already taken place between the two European clubs over the France international. Liverpool are willing to put forward around €100m for Barcola, who is actively interested in joining the Merseyside club.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, but talks remain stuck because of PSG's huge €170m asking price. Sources within PSG believe Barcola's valuation has been strengthened by his impressive World Cup showing, during which he scored three goals and registered one assist for France. Les Parisiens also cite his standing as a back-to-back Champions League winner in justifying their record demand.

Price reduction could spark late movement

PSG insist that any sale of Barcola must go beyond recent major Premier League fees, such as Elliot Anderson's £116m move and Morgan Rogers' £117m transfer. They are maintaining that position despite Barcola having only two years left on his contract and turning down a new deal. However, there is a belief that PSG's high valuation could come down as August moves on. Once the French champions finish their own recruitment out wide, their position on outgoing players may become much more flexible. Liverpool will now weigh up whether to make a formal move for Mbaye or wait to see if PSG soften their stance on Barcola as the transfer deadline draws closer.