Barcola is coming: what we know about the deal

After weeks of speculation and false dawns, it appears Bradley Barcola's move to Liverpool is all but done. Fabrizio Romano has given the transfer his famous seal of approval, confirming that everything is agreed and documents are expected to be exchanged within 24 hours. The Athletic backs this up, reporting that an agreement in principle has been reached with PSG, with the guaranteed fee sitting at £100million and the total package rising to around £120million once add-ons are factored in.

It is Richard Hughes and Mike Gordon who have been leading negotiations on Liverpool's side, and by all accounts the final details are being ironed out as we speak. If Barcola does complete the move, he will find a couple of familiar shirt numbers waiting for him. Both the No. 29, which he currently wears at PSG, and the No. 11, vacated by Mohamed Salah at the end of last season, are available. Either way, whoever hands him a shirt will be handing him a serious responsibility.

Sarr bid lodged but a groin problem clouds his picture

Barcola alone is not enough to satisfy Liverpool's ambitions in this window. Jamie Carragher made that point bluntly on Sky Sports, arguing that while the Frenchman is a left-winger by nature, the Reds have a glaring problem on the opposite flank. "I don't think Liverpool have got anybody in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right-wing," he said, and it is difficult to argue with that assessment.

Enter Ismaila Sarr. Reports suggest Liverpool have lodged a £50million bid for the Crystal Palace forward, though the Senegalese winger is currently nursing a groin issue that has kept him out of training with his teammates. Palace boss Pierre Sage was candid about the situation: "Ismaila Sarr is in individual sessions. He is in pain with his groin, that's why you didn't see him with us today. But we'll prepare him, he needs time. I thought it would be quicker but I am not medical, that's why I wait for him, and we'll prepare him to come back with us." Adding intrigue to the situation, Sarr's agent, former Fulham and Celtic attacker Diomansy Kamara, has been active on social media with what appears to be a hint that a move could be imminent.

Minteh stays put, for now at least

If Sarr does not materialise, Brighton's Yankuba Minteh had been the alternative, but that door appears to be firmly shut. Liverpool have had two bids knocked back, the most recent reportedly worth £70million, and Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler was in no mood to play along when asked about the speculation. "He's a Brighton player," Hurzeler said. "He needs to commit to this club. He knows that these rumours only come because he benefits from everything here. Everyone knows how the football business works, let's see the ideas from Liverpool." That is not the language of a man about to sanction a sale.

Meanwhile, there is also the small matter of a £90million midfielder who has reportedly caught the club's eye, though details on that particular target remain thin. Harvey Elliott's situation is a subplot worth watching too. The 23-year-old was not even in the matchday squad for the draw with Newcastle, and talkSPORT's Ally McCoist has urged the youngster to seek clarity from manager Andoni Iraola: "He needs to sit down with Iraola and find out if he has a chance or if he is in his plans because he needs to play. Last season was a write-off and he can't afford another one like that." With the deadline on 1 September approaching fast, expect the next 48 hours to be very busy indeed.