Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba.
The midfielder has been linked with a host of top clubs over the past few months, with Manchester City, Tottenham and Bayern Munich all keen on the Cameroon international – who is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manchester United are also very keen to sign Baleba, having attempted to open talks with the Seagulls over a deal ahead of the start of the season. Those negotiations soon collapsed though, with Brighton demanding in excess of £100million to part ways with the ex-Lille youngster.
Despite his shaky form, Baleba remains in high demand, with CaughtOffside reporting that Liverpool are the latest side to register an interest in acquiring his services.
Brighton are ‘fielding multiple enquiries’ for their No. 17, but a sale in January is not being discussed despite how some suitors would like to strike a deal sooner rather than later.
Nevertheless, all parties are said to anticipate that Baleba will move on at the end of the season, which allows Brighton plenty of time to plan for those transfer talks and replacement options.
Aston Villa’s Lamare Bogarde and Watford’s Imran Louza have both been linked with moves to the Amex Stadium in recent weeks, with both players fitting the bill as potential successors.
Although a bidding war appears to be the likeliest outcome of the Baleba saga, Liverpool’s interest could lead to Brighton entertaining their approach with a different style of deal in mind.
The Seagulls are long-term admirers of Joe Gomez and came close to signing the England international over the summer on loan, with those talks falling through due to contract talks.
The versatile defender remains out of favour under Arne Slot, and Brighton may be tempted to tease the idea of the Reds using the 28-year-old as a makeweight in negotiations for Baleba.
The Seagulls will have a host of other defensive options shortlisted though, especially if Eiran Cashin departs permanently and Diego Coppola is granted his exit wish this month.