Two rejections in three days haven’t put Liverpool off.
Gambian journalist Foday Manneh reports a third bid for Yankuba Minteh is expected to reach Brighton either tonight or on Monday morning, with Liverpool having discussed internally and settled on what he describes as an improved and convincing offer.
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Manneh adds that Minteh continues to wait to formalise personal terms.
The pattern so far has been Liverpool moving in increments and Brighton holding firm. An opening £50m was rejected earlier in the week.
A follow-up worth around £60m, reported by David Ornstein and confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, went the same way on Friday.
Brighton have made clear they want closer to £70m, though the Mail’s Lewis Steele has suggested £66m might be enough to close it.
Reports earlier today emerged that fresh contact between the two clubs was expected despite both sides having fixtures, with Liverpool weighing whether to return.
Manneh’s information suggests that decision has now been made.
What makes the pursuit unusual is what Liverpool would be buying.
Minteh underwent surgery on a calf problem picked up in Brighton’s recent friendly against Roma and isn’t expected back until late October.
Committing £66m or more to a player who can’t feature for two months, with eight days left in the window and an attack already short, is a significant call.
His record at Brighton is promising rather than proven.
Ten goals and nine assists in 73 appearances since arriving from Newcastle in July 2024, which works out at 19 goal involvements.
The raw output isn’t spectacular, but his pace and directness have drawn interest from several clubs, and he’s still 22.
Romano reports a broad verbal agreement is in place on contract terms, with Minteh having said yes to the project.
He’s also told his agent he wants the move.
Brighton, for their part, appear resigned to it.
Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged in his Friday press conference that selling is part of the club’s identity and that offers were inevitable given recent achievements, and the Seagulls have already signed a £21.5m replacement.
The wider context is a Liverpool attack that needs two wingers, not one.
Mohamed Salah’s departure left a hole that Victor Munoz, signed from Osasuna for around £34m, only partly fills.
Bradley Barcola remains the priority target, though PSG’s demands above £140m have stalled that.
Ibrahim Mbaye is the third name in the frame.
Jacobs has framed the hierarchy plainly: Barcola is the must-get, with three or four other options Liverpool have enquired about and bid on.
Minteh is the one they keep coming back to.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 🚨
🇬🇲 Yankuba Minteh to #LFC; a 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐈𝐃 is expected to be sent to Brighton either tonight or Monday morning. They have discussed and are ready to go with an improved and convincing offer.
The player continues to wait to formalise personal terms. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/YXOORtT6MJ
— Foday Manneh (@foday_manneh_) August 23, 2026