Liverpool brutally hijack Newcastle transfer as next target after Bradley Barcola identified

Liverpool are reportedly planning to hijack yet another Newcastle transfer after reaching an agreement to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool finally reached an agreement to sign the French international on Saturday (August 29) after a summer-long transfer saga.

Despite the clubs previously being apart on the player’s valuation, the Premier League side have now agreed a package worth £106million, with £17million in potential add-ons for the 23-year-old.

Barcola will become Liverpool’s fifth signing of Iraola’s reign, with the 20-time champions already welcoming centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Ronald Araujo (loan), as well as Spanish winger Victor Munoz.

But as the September 1 transfer deadline approaches, it appears Liverpool’s business is far from done.

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As reported by Football365, Liverpool are ready to hijack Newcastle United’s move for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The 21-year-old is highly thought of at St James’ Park, with the Telegraph reporting that the Magpies are keen to sign the forward before the end of the window.

Lille value the Belgium international at around £60million, with Matthias Jaissle impressed by Fernandez-Pardo’s versatility, as he can play both as a No. 9 and from the flanks.

The youngster produced eight goals and seven assists in 41 matches in all competitions for Lille last season.

But much like when Liverpool hijacked Newcastle’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike last summer, it appears the Reds want to persuade Fernandez-Pardo to sign for them instead.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Liverpool have now made contact over the signing of the 21-year-old as they plan to replace Cody Gakpo, who continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The outlet reports: “Liverpool’s stance on selling Gakpo has, however, been one of resistance.

“That position has now softened to a certain extent, with the Reds prepared to allow him to leave, but only if they can bring in another forward following Barcola’s arrival.

“Liverpool do have an interest in Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, while they have also made contact over Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who Newcastle United are attempting to sign.”

The Merseyside club have also seen two bids rejected by Brighton for Yankuba Minteh.

Liverpool winger Harvey Elliott looks set to complete a loan move to La Liga outfit Valencia in the coming days, while the Reds have been forced to accept defeat in their pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye, with the former PSG youngster signing for Aston Villa for £47million.

Iraola speaks out on Liverpool transfer dealings

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Iraola refused to rule out making more signings.

He said: “The word is ‘ideally’, ideally is the magic word.

“In the end there are certain things that you can do, certain things that we don’t know if we can do.

“But it’s true that the priority has been to strengthen in the wide areas.

“Still we have four, five days, I’m sure if we can improve other areas, we will.

“But I don’t know how the market is going to finish. I cannot tell you, I have to be patient the same as you.

“I want to know, believe me it’s very uncomfortable for me. You are dealing with uncertainties all the time.

“But we have to wait four, five days, and then we will know what we have and make proper plans.”