Liverpool pull plug on winger signing after new 'complication' - 'The deal is off'
Liverpool have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Brighton star Yankuba Minteh late in the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old had been considered among a number of options as Andoni Iraola pushes to add multiple wide players to his squad before the transfer deadline.
Talks had been held with Brighton after two offers, first of £50million, then £60million, were rejected by the Seagulls, with a decision to be made about making a third bid.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool's move for Minteh is now "dead in the water" with no chance of another bid.
Brighton's lofty asking price has forced the Reds to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a new winger, as they were not prepared to reach their demands.
The move was further complicated by Minteh's injury, after he underwent surgery on an ankle injury earlier this month, and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months.
Could Liverpool reignite their interest in Yankuba Minteh?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 26 August that Liverpool have been looking to secure a cut-price fee for Minteh given his injury situation.
However, Brighton still value the winger as a crucial part of Fabian Hurzeler's squad, and have been unwilling to budge on their lofty valuation this late in the window.
With other top targets in mind to strengthen out wide before the 1 September deadline, Liverpool have now shifted their attention away from the Brighton man.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "No, I think that deal for Liverpool to sign Yankuba Minteh is dead in the water now.
"Obviously Liverpool made a couple of bids. The first one was worth £50million, rejected, then it went up to £60million, and that offer was rejected as well.
"Brighton were holding out for a fee of 80 million pounds which Liverpool weren't keen on meeting.
"Also, you had the extra complication of Minteh being out injured. He underwent surgery on his ankle earlier this month, and is probably going to be out for a couple of months.
"So that raised issues at Liverpool as well and they have now decided to walk away from their pursuit of Minteh. The deal is off."
Which other wingers are on Liverpool's radar?
Minteh is not the only winger being tracked by Liverpool in the closing days of the summer transfer window, with Iraola making the position a priority at this late stage.
A number of wingers, including the likes of Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr and Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye, have been considered by the recruitment team at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Liverpool have been prioritising a move to sign Bradley Barcola from PSG, as he remains their top target.
The Reds have now reached an agreement in principle with PSG over a deal which could be worth up to £120million is performance-related add-ons are met.
The France international has been a leading target in recent weeks, but even after his expected arrival at Anfield, they are keen to land at least one new winger.