'World-class' star emerges as next Liverpool target after Bradley Barcola | OneFootball

At the moment, it's clear that Bradley Barcola is Liverpool's main transfer target.

Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola both know that the Reds still need a fair few players to be added to their ranks before they're ready to start competing for silverware again.

And, even though they initially wanted Yan Diomande, Barcola may be an even better option than the Ivorian for Liverpool.

However, since Paris Saint-Germain are being tough negotiators and are demanding an obscene amount of money for a player who only has two years left on his current deal, it's unclear whether this move will even come to fruition.

So, just in case it doesn't, Liverpool now seem to have lined up their next player to explore in their hunt for new attackers.

Rayan is Liverpool's next target if Bradley Barcola's move doesn't work out

Mohamed Salah is arguably the main player that Liverpool need to replace this summer.

Even though he wasn't in the best run of form last term, he still contributed to 22 goals across all competitions.

This is a decent chunk of goals to replace and, although Victor Munoz has been brought in, it doesn't feel like the Spaniard will be able to fill that void just yet.

So, that's why most of Hughes' time and effort this summer has been focused on getting a new attacker.

But now, as per a fresh update from Caught Offside, it seems like Liverpool's sporting director now has another 'plan B' lined up just in case he can't get Barcola to make the switch.

"Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Liverpool remain in club-to-club discussions with PSG and are willing to invest around €100 million [in Barcola]," they wrote.

"Barcola is attracted to the Anfield project, but PSG are seeking between £140 million and £145 million before seriously considering a sale.

"That difference explains why Bournemouth attacker Rayan has emerged as Liverpool’s Plan B.

"The Brazilian already understands Iraola’s demanding style and would offer speed, strength and considerable development potential."

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Rayan would be an exceptional signing for Liverpool

With how many senior players have exited Liverpool this summer, the Reds are massively lacking in experience among their ranks.

The vast majority of their team are under 27 years old with most of their new arrivals being around 21.

And, while they will be more than prepared for the future, if they want to get back to the top of the Premier League and become a dominant team once again, they need players who can instantly hit the ground running.

Much like Liverpool's other additions, Rayan is only 20 years old.

But, since joining Bournemouth in January, the Brazilian has been seen as one of the Premier League's brightest prospects with his teammate Marcus Tavernier even calling him a "world-class talent."

The attacker also knows how to play in Iraola's system which will make the transitional stage between Arne Slot's playing style and the Spaniard's much easier for Liverpool and the rest of their team.

Since joining the Cherries in January, across all competitions.

These number may not seem all that great but, for a player who had only ever played in Brazil, his transition to the Premier League was flawless.

Liverpool really need players who can hit the ground running straight away so, even though Rayan is still young, his top flight experience would be massively beneficial to the Reds.