Liverpool have £50m offer for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton
Liverpool have had a £50m transfer bid for Gambian forward Yankuba Minteh rejected by Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Merseysiders tabled the substantial offer several days ago as they desperately look to bolster their forward line.
Manager Andoni Iraola is seeking immediate attacking reinforcements following the departure of Mohamed Salah on a free transfer.
Search for attacking depth
The Anfield hierarchy initially identified Paris St-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola as their primary summer target.
However, they have now turned their attention to the Brighton winger as progress ahead of the 1 September transfer deadline becomes crucial.
The Gambian international registered three goals and four assists in 34 appearances for the Seagulls during the previous campaign.
That return followed a highly productive season in which he scored six times and provided four assists across 32 matches.
Iraola faces forward shortage
The former Bournemouth boss is facing a significant shortage of wide options on the eve of the new Premier League season.
Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha are currently the only senior wingers available to the Spanish tactician.
Discussions also remain ongoing regarding a potential move for highly-rated Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye.
Opening weekend challenges
Liverpool have experienced a relatively slow summer market, with Munoz and Ronald Araujo representing their only recent additions.
A £60m deal for Jeremy Jacquet was formally completed this summer after an initial agreement was struck with Rennes back in January.
The Reds begin their domestic campaign against Newcastle United as Iraola takes charge of his first competitive game for the club.
Matthias Jaissle’s Magpies enter the fixture following a turbulent transfer window of their own, having lost key midfield and attacking trio Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.