Liverpool target Yankuba Minteh could return to January shortlist

Liverpool may revive their interest in Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh during the January transfer window if one of the club’s key attackers leaves, after talks over a summer move came close to completion.

According to Sports Mole, Minteh was on the verge of becoming a Liverpool player in the final hours of the previous transfer window. However, with Cody Gakpo ultimately staying at Anfield, Liverpool decided to postpone negotiations with Brighton until January.

The Gambia international had been monitored by Liverpool throughout the summer, but an unexpected setback also disrupted the proposed transfer. Minteh suffered a foot injury on 14 August and was expected to be out for between two and three months.

Brighton’s asking price was another obstacle. The club wanted £80m for the 22-year-old winger, a figure Liverpool were not prepared to pay, although they were willing to move closer to that valuation.

Minteh was also attracting interest from Manchester City and Tottenham during the summer. At the same time, Gakpo was considered a potential departure from Liverpool before the window closed.

His recovery and performances for Brighton are therefore expected to be closely watched in the coming weeks, particularly with the January transfer window approaching. Liverpool’s interest could depend on both the player’s return from injury and whether the club need to replace one of their attacking options.

Liverpool were prepared to complete another signing in the closing hours of the summer market, with Minteh among the players who came close to joining the club.

The club spent £235m during the summer transfer window. The two biggest deals were the arrivals of the French pair Bradley Barcola, signed for £108.7m, and Jeremy Jacquet, who cost £55.3m.

Minteh’s possible move to Liverpool had developed late in the window, but the combination of Gakpo’s decision to remain at the club, the winger’s injury and Brighton’s valuation prevented the transfer from being completed. lang= en