Liverpool have reportedly agreed personal terms with Yankuba Minteh as talks with Brighton & Hove Albion continue. The Seagulls have turned down bids believed to be in the region of £50million and £60million for a player they value at over £70million.
Reds target wide options
Minteh, 22, is wanted by the Reds after being one of several players on a shortlist of wide options they drafted at the start of this transfer window. Yan Diomande featured on it, too, before joining Real Madrid.
Liverpool also remain keen on signing Bradley Barcola. Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be asking in the region of £130-£140million.
Their pursuit of Minteh, however, makes them unlikely to follow up on their exploratory interest in Ibrahim Mbaye. Fabrizio Romano claims on the Daily Briefing that Liverpool are in talks with the Gambia international's camp after already agreeing on personal terms.
Minteh's dream move
He is said to dream of joining the Reds, who are apparently expected to make another offer. Minteh has spoken openly about how well-suited he would be to the Reds.
Speaking to the Gambian journalist Foday Manneh, he said: "I always dream, and I always had this belief in me that one day I will play in one of the biggest teams in the world.
"My dream club for me is any team that comes. As long as it's a big club, I will go there because everyone wants to play in a big club.
"But I think the club which suits me really well, I would say Liverpool." Minteh also acknowledged the Reds' transfer interest, saying: "Yeah, but it's not in my head."
Iraola on squad needs
Speaking about transfers during Friday's pre-match press conference, Andoni Iraola said: "In terms of what we need, there are certain situations that are clear, especially out on the wing because we don't have enough players specific to play in those positions.
"In other positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market to see situations that can honestly improve our team. It's not about signing players because we need them; it's about improving the squad.
"We have very good players already here, so to improve on these players, we need a specific level of player."
Asked specifically about Barcola and Minteh, the Reds head coach said: "You know, we cannot speak about players who aren't ours. I understand the questions."
