Liverpool have a transfer alternative to Yankuba Minteh if a deal with Brighton cannot be agreed, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. Brighton have rejected two bids for the winger and are seeking £70 million to sell.
Minteh injury and Liverpool's pursuit
An ankle injury will keep Minteh out for the opening few weeks of the new season, but that has not stopped Liverpool from intensely pursuing his signature. Despite him appearing to be their top target to replace Mohamed Salah, Ornstein has claimed that another option is under consideration if the deal does not go through.
After claiming Minteh to Liverpool is certainly possible, he said on TNT Sports: "I hear that they [Liverpool] have another option that they're weighing up and could pivot to if it doesn't work with Minteh." He did, however, not reveal the identity of Liverpool's alternative.
Brighton's valuation and Barcola link
"They will [try to sign him for cheaper because of the injury] but Brighton now he is a coveted talent so they want £70m in excess of add-ons but I'm not sure Liverpool want to go that far. The injury is a concern but if you're so convinced by the talent you can probably take the risk."
On the opposite flank, Bradley Barcola is being targeted but Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are currently far apart on valuation. Ornstein also provided an update on that deal and the potential knock-on effect if it does go through.
Gakpo's future and Iraola's comments
He said: "Liverpool are prioritising him, no doubt about that, if they can get him in from PSG then I think we will see Gakpo leave. If they don't, then they'll have to keep Gakpo and Iraola really likes him. It will all come down to the fee with PSG and at the moment it is too big."
Ibrahim Mbaye has also been linked with a move from the French giants which has cast doubt over Cody Gakpo's future amid transfer links to Tottenham. Speaking on the Dutchman earlier this week, Iraola said: "Cody is performing well, has been since first day, understanding everything we need. You can feel it straight away, he is smart, understands the game. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies, performing well. I cannot tell you the XI, but he is in a good shape."
Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo are the only summer signings made by Liverpool which has sparked concern considering the moves made by others and Liverpool's struggles last season. Iraola has since given his take on the transfer window with his thoughts made clear.
He said: "As a manager, it's easy. I want the players day one, all the sessions but this how it works, the market is open, we have to adapt to coaches to this. Two weeks or 10 days, a lot of uncertainty, not just Liverpool but everywhere. I don't spend too much time thinking on these things, I am focused on Newcastle. It is massive for men, using the players we in the best way to be competitive."
When asked specifically about Barcola and Minteh, he said: "You know, we cannot speak about players who aren't ours. I understand the questions."
