Iraola hoping for good news as Liverpool reportedly agree Barcola deal

Aug 27 : Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said on Thursday he hoped there would be positive news soon in their pursuit of a winger amid reports the Premier League club had an agreement in principle with Paris St Germain to sign Bradley Barcola.

The Athletic reported earlier on Thursday that the clubs had agreed terms on a deal for the France forward worth around £120 million ($163.18 million), with over £100 million guaranteed.

The 23-year-old Barcola, part of France's squad at the World Cup, joined PSG in 2023 and has made 152 appearances for the European champions, scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists.

If the move goes through, Barcola would strengthen Liverpool's attacking ranks alongside British record signing Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz.

The club are seeking additional firepower after the departure of talisman Mohamed Salah, while Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with a long-term injury.

Asked about Liverpool's pursuit of Barcola and the need to add wide players, Iraola told reporters: "As you know, we are trying to sign in that position (winger) and as you know we cannot talk about players that - right now - are not ours.

"But it is evident that we are trying to improve or trying to fill that position because we don't have the numbers. I hope we can have good news soon but we are still not there."

Gakpo's future has also been the subject of speculation, with British media linking the Netherlands forward with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

The 27-year-old has been impressive in pre-season and scored in Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Newcastle United in their opener.

"Very good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he has been very influential in our games,"