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Liverpool transfer news amid $173M PSG demand as Hugo Ekitike replacement linked Liverpool transfer news amid a $173M PSG demand for Bradley Barcola and a short-term replacement for Hugo Ekitike is linked while the French forward is out injured Liverpool is working on bringing in more forwards before the September 1 transfer deadline, with an acceptance that Andoni Iraola's roster is currently light. Bradley Barcola, of course, is the primary target for the Reds, but Liverpool is also considering others, including his PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye. With the clock ticking, you can expect the rumor mill to head into overdrive. Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. We start with another update on Barcola, with another player being suggested alongside him as an option to replace the injured Hugo Ekitike. Bradley Barcola (PSG) PSG is insisting on receiving in excess of $173 million (£128 million) for the transfer of Barcola, according to L'Equipe, which is why a transfer move to Liverpool has not yet materialized. The suggestion in France is that the Reds would like to pay $138 million (£103 million), with a compromise yet to be reached. Barcola is open to the move, though, and is not going to sign a contract extension. Barcola is tied down at the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2028 as things stand, but he wants a bigger role. With Mohamed Salah having departed, Liverpool can offer that to him. Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign. After the World Cup, Barcola is yet to return for pre-season. If he has the standard three-week break, he will return next week. It remains to be seen if a breakthrough can be made before then. Last season, Barcola scored 13 goals and assisted another eight in 55 appearances. While he played a lot, he missed out on starting the biggest games under Luis Enrique. Liverpool.com says: Barcola would be the best option realistically available on the market to the Reds. At this point in the summer window, it feels like a must. Nick Woltemade (Newcastle) Newcastle would be willing to let Nick Woltemade leave on loan this summer, at least according to Caught Offside. The German forward has struggled since arriving as a replacement for Alexander Isak. If that is true, could Woltemade be a short-term cover option for Hugo Ekitike? Maybe, though the Magpies allowing that appears unlikely. The report claims Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen. Woltemade was one of the most highly coveted forwards in the Bundesliga when he left Stuttgart, with Bayern Munich very interested but unwilling to pay the $93 million (£69 million) fee that Newcastle committed. Liverpool.com says: Newcastle has had a bit of a nightmare in the transfer market in the last couple of years. The idea of it letting Woltemade move on without it being a permanent deal seems extremely unlikely, especially to strengthen a Premier League rival.