Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and are preparing an opening bid.

Barcola, 23, has been identified as the primary option for Liverpool as they look to replace Mohamed Salah, who left at the end of last season.

The France winger is valued by PSG at around £145m. Such a fee would break the British transfer record but those at Anfield are keen on striking a deal closer to the £100m mark.

Barcola has two years left on his contract but is understood to be keen on a move to the Reds and a new challenge after falling down the pecking order at PSG.

Liverpool had initially wanted Yan Diomande but the RB Leipzig winger is now set to join Real Madrid.