Liverpool transfer news: Reds enter race for Chelsea-linked attacker

Liverpool have reportedly entered the race for Senegal international Ibrahim Mbaye ahead of a potential summer move.

The Reds are desperate to bolster their attacking ranks and have already strengthened their options with the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna.

The Merseyside giants have been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola, but they are also keeping tabs on alternative targets should that pursuit fail to bear fruit.

Alongside Barcola, Liverpool appear to have taken an interest in his PSG teammate Mbaye, who has made 41 appearances for the French giants, scoring four goals.

Liverpool transfer news: Top clubs eye move for Ibrahim Mbaye

According to RMC Sport, PSG are not ruling out the possibility of allowing the 18-year-old attacker to leave this summer, with several major European clubs vying for his signature.

The report claims that Liverpool could face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

While PSG rate Mbaye highly, they are prepared to consider his departure should a sufficiently attractive offer arrive, which could encourage his Premier League suitors to test their resolve.

Mbaye has already established himself as one of the most coveted young attackers on the market, with PSG reportedly placing a valuation of more than €50m (£42.3m) on the teenager.

FW verdict: Liverpool unlikely to move for Ibrahim Mbaye

Liverpool appear serious about their pursuit of Barcola, and it seems unlikely that they would invest heavily in two attackers from the same club during a single transfer window.

Like Barcola, Mbaye is comfortable operating on either flank and possesses enormous potential, making him an intriguing option for Iraola's attack.

However, Liverpool already have an exciting teenage winger in Rio Ngumoha, and what their frontline arguably needs most is an established performer such as Barcola who can arrive at Anfield and make an immediate difference.

Mbaye would represent an investment in Liverpool's future, whereas Barcola appears far better suited to their needs in the here and now.

That being said, transfer windows rarely follow a predictable script, and should Liverpool ultimately miss out on Barcola, a move for his highly-rated PSG teammate could quickly gather momentum.