Liverpool make surprise approach for Bradley Barcola's teammate as PSG lodge bid

Liverpool's search for a new winger has seen them launch an 'approach' for a player PSG have been heavily linked with.

Last week, Andoni Iraola said in his first press conference as Liverpool head coach that they need "more players" following the departures of several key personnel in recent weeks.

Andy Robertson waved goodbye to Merseyside to join Tottenham after his contract came to an end, while Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate are the other high-profile departures.

Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet sealed their moves to Liverpool earlier this summer, but Iraola wants to address the lack of depth, including in forward areas.

The Reds are in the market for a new winger to challenge the likes of Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo.

Yan Diomande was their top target for that position, although his preference is to join PSG, and Bradley Barcola is also near the top of their shortlist.

Barcola is being valued at an eye-watering £120million by PSG, who want to keep the 23-year-old at the Parc des Princes, and this asking price has dashed any chances of him moving to Anfield.

Now, according to Sky Sports, Liverpool have made an 'initial approach' for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche and have 'checked on the availability' of the France international.

Akliouche has emerged as one of the most promising wingers in Europe, and he is reportedly a 'prime' target for PSG after his stunning campaign for Monaco.

The 24-year-old produced seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the French giants, prompting PSG to make multiple offers, the most recent believed to be in the region of £34m (€40m).

Salah's departure and an injury to Hugo Ekitike have left Iraola short on quality attacking options, but launching an approach for Akliouche suggests they're hoping to fix this problem sooner rather than later.

What Liverpool's move for Maghnes Akliouche could mean for other targets

Akliouche's excellent Ligue 1 campaign with Monaco earned him a call-up to France's World Cup squad.

Although he only played 10 minutes at the tournament, coming off the bench in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq, the winger is still seen as a top signing for many clubs across Europe.

Known for his electric pace and incisive dribbling, Akliouche could be the perfect fit for Liverpool, especially for his versatility.

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Capable of playing centrally behind the striker or on the right, the Monaco starlet is arguably seen as a cost-effective option, with the French giants valuing him far less than what RB Leipzig want for Diomande and PSG's valuation for Barcola.

And while it hasn't been revealed whether Liverpool's interest in Akliouche would end their pursuit of Diomande and Barcola once and for all, it's highly unlikely the Reds sign both.

Liverpool were credited with an interest in the Monaco winger back in May, and according to several reports, he could be available for around £42m (€50m).

For a France international, who only just turned 24, Akliouche could be a brilliant alternative after being priced out of other targets.