Liverpool only managed a draw against Newcastle in the Premier League opener and exposed many of the weaknesses that, to be honest, have been reasonably obvious for quite some time.
Now they have clarified what is needed, now that they have to choose between two alternative reinforcements.
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Yankuba Minteh is ready for Liverpool if they flip up 10 million euros more than their last bid, but in the equation is also what to do with Ibrahim Mbaye. – The bosses at Anfield make a decision today!
Liverpool are effectively one step away from a full agreement to sign Yankuba Minteh – and could give the green light for the transfer as early as “today”, according to a well-informed journalist. At the same time, FSG have been given the green light for a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye, and now have to choose between the two.
The Reds are desperate to add more substance to Andoni Iraola’s attacking play and hope to sign at least two new wingers before the window closes. While Liverpool are still negotiating with PSG for top priority Bradley Barcola who will cost the shirt, FSG are working behind the scenes on a new high-calibre signing.
The question is which of the two it will be: Gambian Minteh or Senegalese Mbaye.
70 million euros to secure Minteh
Liverpool have already had bids of 50 and 60 million euros respectively rejected for Minteh – and have been told that a bid of 70 million euros will be successful.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Reds can make a decision to match the price for the Brighton star as early as today – but he stresses that they can still choose to go for Mbaye instead.
“Liverpool had talks at the weekend. They’re deciding today, so it could change at any moment – whether they want to make a third bid,” the journalist told TalkSPORT.
“If they go to 700 million, the deal is done,” according to Brighton sources. My feeling is that Liverpool might try with 650 million first. It was discussed at the weekend, but I think that if they make one more bid, it will be a final bid – because they have other options, like Mbaye.
“PSG want 600 million for Mbaye, so it’s about the same price tag. So they have two options at about the same price. But my expectation is that it will be Barcola plus one of them.
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However, according to a late update from L’Equipe, Liverpool may have already lost Mbaye. The newspaper claims that a currently unknown club is now close to signing the Senegalese – and that the player himself is frustrated by the lack of follow-up from Liverpool after the initial interest.
That could leave Liverpool with little choice but to negotiate a deal with Brighton for Minteh.
Either way, it won’t distract them from their main priority: Barcola.
According to journalist Lewis Steele in the Daily Mail, optimism is growing that a deal could be in place soon.
After the 2-2 draw against Newcastle, Steele wrote:
“Liverpool are still hoping to sign PSG’s Bradley Barcola this week and are considering whether to make a third bid for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. These will be crucial reinforcements, given that winger options are limited at the moment – but signing a defensive midfielder is just as important.”
“They may have the best attacking tree in the world, but they won’t win trophies if they’re as vulnerable and vulnerable to counter-attacks as they were here.”
He concluded:
“One or two wingers would be great, but a new defensive midfielder should be at the top of the shopping list – along with the wingers.”
Midfield hunt and Gakpo future
When it comes to the search for a midfielder, Daniel Sturridge shares that opinion. He believes there has been an unmet need at Anfield for three years – and has pointed to a 390 million star they should have brought in to close the gap.
If Minteh or Mbaye come in addition to Barcola at Anfield, it could spell the end for Cody Gakpo. Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Manchester City have shown interest in the Dutchman.
As for Barcola, Romano claims that a deal could be in place as early as this week – after PSG reportedly lowered the asking price for the 23-year-old France international.
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