'The data is telling them' - Liverpool's priority out of Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr revealed
Liverpool feel that Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh would be the perfect player to fit in with Andoni Iraola's style of football.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that negotiations are still ongoing between the two clubs.
Liverpool have already seen two bids for the 22-year-old rejected this summer, but a third approach is no longer being ruled out ahead of the deadline.
Wyness revealed that Iraola sees a significant long-term value behind a move for Minteh, despite the fact that he is expected to be out injured until November.
Brighton are holding out for £70million for their star, while the Reds have yet to break beyond the £60m mark with their previous offers.
Wyness believes that Minteh's injury has Liverpool thinking that a slightly discounted price would be fair, but Brighton have not budged in their stance so far.
Liverpool to listen to their 'data' for Yankuba Minteh
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Liverpool are likely to trust their "data" on Minteh when it comes to them making a move.
The Scottish businessman outlined that even with his injury, the Merseysiders would be buying the player for what he could produce over a four or five-year period.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained that Iraola is keen to see Minteh come through the door at Anfield.
"What you've got to remain focused on, though, is that you're buying in for five years and not just the short-term injury. And so if you really believe the value is there, that's what you've got to do," he said.
"Now, the other complication, of course, is your squad planning. How are you going to handle it when you may not have one of the players you see being a major part of your season available to integrate and get the minutes in the squad until November?
"So that's why you're asking for this discount, because it does upset your plans. But if you're looking long term, there's an argument there.
"Liverpool are obviously saying that the data is telling them he's the player they need in terms of the fit for their squad and the way that Iraola wants to play.
"Brighton obviously are aware that he's very high on Liverpool's list. So that's the negotiation that's going on right now behind the scenes."
Crystal Palace's updated Ismaila Sarr stance
Football Insider revealed last week that Crystal Palace still have no intention of selling Ismaila Sarr to Liverpool before the 1 September deadline.
The Reds are working on signing one more winger before the deadline, alongside their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, and Sarr is another clear option.
Palace are fending off interest from Anfield, as well as clubs in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but they are adamant that they do not want to lose Sarr.
Liverpool have already seen a £50m offer for the Senegal international rejected, and it remains to be seen whether they will come back with a new bid.