‘Liverpool make Carlos Baleba transfer decision’ after new asking price revealed
Liverpool are interested in a move to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba as one of their key targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 21-year-old is seen as an “excellent fit” for Arne Slot’s midfield.
However, the Reds are not willing to meet Brighton’s £100million asking price and could be forced to consider alternative targets as a result.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in March that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Baleba, but it may be difficult to reach an agreement with the Seagulls.
The Cameroon international has been a key part of Fabian Hurzeler’s side this season and they are not willing to let him go for less than their asking price.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are only prepared to do deals which will suit them financially and are determined not to be bullied into overspending.
Liverpool respond to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba asking price
Brown told Football Insider in February that Liverpool are prepared to spend “mega-money” on Baleba as they are determined to strengthen in midfield.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Liverpool do not feel he is worth the £100million price tag.
“He’s a very talented player,” he told Football Insider.
“I like a lot of the things I see about his game, and so do Liverpool, they see him as an ideal option to strengthen their midfield.
“But they’re not prepared to spend £100million on him.
“Brighton can demand what they like, but I get the feeling they don’t want to sell him this summer, that’s why the asking price is so high.
“Liverpool want to strengthen, their squad has a lot of issues, and a new midfielder will be key for them.
“But from what I hear, they’re not going to spend over the odds.
“If a player is going to cost silly money, they’ll be prepared to look elsewhere.
“And that’s what I expect will happen here, because I don’t see him going there for £100million.”
Joao Gomes update emerges after Carlos Baleba blow
The addition of a new midfielder has been a key target for Liverpool and Slot since they missed out on a move to sign Martin Zubimendi in last summer’s transfer window.
Now, as well as their response to Brighton’s lofty asking price for Baleba, Football Insider revealed Liverpool could miss out on Wolves’ Joao Gomes.
This comes after the midfielder signed a new five-year deal at Molineux on 1 April – a decision which came as a surprise to many.
With the future of Matheus Cunha also up in the air, Wolves are determined not to lose both Cunha and Gomes given their importance to Vitor Pereira’s side.
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