Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter has said that no approaches have been made for midfield Yves Bissouma, as per The Argus.
Bissouma, 24, has been in magnificent form this season for the Seagulls and has been attracting interest all across Europe ahead of the January transfer window.
The Mail reported earlier this month that Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid were weighing up the prospect of signing the 14-time Mali international, who has been one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders this season.
According to TalkSPORT, Liverpool have identified Bissouma as a potential Georginio Wijnaldum replacement when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The underrated Premier League gem is averaging 3.3 tackles a game in the English top-flight this season, and at just 24-years-old, he has a lot of scope to get even better.
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Brighton will be desperate not to lose such a key player halfway through the season, especially with the team just two points above the relegation zone.
Despite a growing reported interest from some of the continent’s biggest clubs, manager Potter has insisted that no approaches for Bissouma have yet been tabled for the former Ligue 1 starlet.
“There have been no approaches,” said Potter. “As I’ve said before, just because it’s in the media, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.”
“My focus is on Yves and how I can help him improve and I think he’s still got some improvement to make. That’s my focus with him, to try and help him reach his full potential. He’s got some work to do yet, so that’s what we are focusing on,” he added.
What RTK has to say
There are a number of reasons a move for Bissouma makes a lot of sense from Liverpool’s behalf.
For one, he is Premier League proven and would certainly relish the opportunity to represent the reigning champions of England.
The success of Pierre Hojbjerg at Tottenham Hotspur underlines that there are hidden gems to be uncovered even in the Premier League, and Liverpool are experts in that particular regard.
Also, he has a strong work ethic and would slot in well alongside Jordan Henderson, in terms of the endeavour and tenacity Klopp demands from his midfielders.
It is sensible for the Reds to have more moderate targets in mind in terms of price, rather than going around chasing Europe’s most coveted stars.
With that said, Liverpool will want to find sufficient value in a player who is yet proven enough to warrant a ridiculous asking-price – Bissouma could do just that.
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