Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements has been building for weeks, with Andoni Iraola short of options out wide since Mohamed Salah’s departure.
The Reds have already added Victor Munoz this summer, but the plan always called for further additions in the wide areas Salah once occupied.
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Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh emerged as one of several names on Liverpool’s list, alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Minteh is one of several options being assessed by Liverpool this summer, with the club prioritising the signing of forwards who can play out wide.
The Gambia international is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on a right leg injury sustained in a 3-0 friendly win against Roma earlier this month, with the problem expected to keep him out for at least eight weeks.
Sources indicated he would be keen on a move to Anfield if a deal could be agreed, though Brighton were reluctant to sanction his exit.
That reluctance has now been confirmed.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have had a £50 million bid for Brighton’s Minteh rejected.
The 22-year-old made 36 appearances across all competitions for Brighton last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists, and has emerged as a primary target for the recruitment team at Anfield.
Minteh is currently under contract until 2029, meaning there is no immediate pressure on Brighton to sell.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler addressed the speculation surrounding his squad, without confirming any specific bid.
“We know in general, all the players who there are rumours about are important players, they’ve been part of the journey over the last two years,” he said in his pre-match conference ahead of Brighton’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Sunday.
“It’s normal that if a team is doing well, then there will be a big ask for players. That’s part of my job here, it’s part of our identity.”
Hurzeler added: “We can go through every individual player, we know how important they are but we know good achievements, big achievements, you create a lot of attention and therefore we have to wait now.
“The situation will evolve. I’m not here to complain, I’m here to find solutions.”