Liverpool are reportedly admirers of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is viewed as a "suitable fit" for Arne Slot's system.
CaughtOffside reports that the Reds are among the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Baleba. The Cameroonian has been the subject of an enquiry from Manchester United, who have been in contact with his entourage regarding a potential move to Old Trafford.
The Anfield transfer chiefs have been busy rebuilding Slot's squad this summer and haven't been afraid to spend big. They broke their transfer record when signing Florian Wirtz in a £116m deal including add-ons.
Liverpool Eyeing Man Utd's Top Target Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton & Hove Albion
Liverpool don't seem to have Baleba as a priority but are monitoring his progress at the Amex. He has become one of the Premier League's most in-demand talents, displaying impressive ball-winning abilities and assured passing ability.
Baleba grew up idolising Thiago Alcantara, formerly of the Merseyside giants, and his passing range holds comparisons. The 21-year-old found his man with 82% of his passes in the opposition half last season to help Brighton in transition.
The former LOSC Lille man is being looked at as a potential Wataru Endo replacement amid the 32-year-old heading into the latter stages of his career. He could slot into Slot's midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister and be a long-term solution in the middle of the park.
Liverpool may have to see off Manchester United to pull off his signing, though, as Ruben Amorim is said to view him as the "perfect" midfielder for his team. The Seagulls are asking for around £50-60m for the Cameroon international and that price will likely only increase if he remains at the Amex over the next year.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United are also monitoring Baleba as they all consider swooping for the latest breakout star on the south coast. He has three years left on his contract, so there is no rush over his future, although the Red Devils' contract has put clubs on red alert.
Alan Shearer is a big fan, calling him a "game-changer" talent, while Roy Keane has already told those interested in Baleba why he'd be the perfect addition to their midfield. He described him as a "fantastic example" and said that:
"Other clubs must be looking at Brighton and thinking, how are they doing it?"
For now, Slot seems hellbent on signing Alexander Isak and has made Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola the Newcastle frontman's alternative. The Magpies are refusing to sell the Swede whom the Reds failed with an opening offer of £110m a week ago.
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