The Times reported that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has run formal assessments on multiple wide options, with Barcola and Diomande among the names that have advanced furthest in those evaluations. Both have been previously linked with Anfield but the assessments represent a step beyond casual monitoring.
Barcola, 23, has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances for PSG this season including the Champions League final against Arsenal at the end of the month. Liverpool's interest has previously been reported, though PSG's asking price — understood to be around €70million — has complicated any approach. Arsenal and Barcelona are also tracking him.
RB Leipzig's Diomande, 19, has been one of the outstanding forwards in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists despite Leipzig's inconsistent campaign. The Ivorian's form has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United alongside Liverpool. Leipzig are asking around £72million and he is not considered available on loan.
Liverpool's need in wide areas is stark. Salah leaves as a free agent at the end of June. Florian Wirtz's injury has removed him from consideration for the first part of next season. Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott both offer insufficient reliability. Hughes is understood to want two senior wide signings in addition to internal promotions from the academy.
The assessment of Barcola and Diomande is unlikely to result in both being signed given the combined cost, but both have been presented as realistic targets at different points in the process. Liverpool's Champions League qualification — all but secured — gives them the platform to attract both players if the fee and wages can be agreed.
Barcola's preference is said to be Paris, where he has developed from a Lyon academy player into a France international. Whether Liverpool can offer a compelling enough alternative is the central question in that pursuit.