Liverpool are reportedly interested in LOSC Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, who Brighton & Hove Albion are chasing to replace Moises Caicedo.
According to the Daily Mail, the 19-year-old prospect is now wanted by the Reds having missed out on Caicedo this summer to Chelsea, who is set to make a Premier League record £115m switch to Stamford Bridge.
As a result, both Liverpool and Brighton are moving quick to fix their dilemmas, with the Seagulls interested in Baleba as a replacement for Caicedo, with the Reds also giving chase.
Brighton’s transfer strategy is regarded by many as the best in the Premier League, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side making huge amounts of profit in the last few windows after making shrewd signings.
With Caicedo leaving for a Premier League record in the coming days, Brighton moving for Baleba is an indicator that the Cameroonian teenager could be something special, with Liverpool already interested.
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Indeed, Baleba broke into Lille’s senior team last season and started Les Dogues first game of the new Ligue 1 campaign this weekend, and Liverpool could now be plotting a move for the 19-year-old.
Liverpool could beat Brighton at their own game by signing Baleba as Caicedo alternative
As mentioned, Brighton’s transfer strategy is lightyears ahead of any other club in the Premier League, with the Seagulls well aware of who they want to sign should a key player depart for a mega fee.
Yet with Liverpool now in the race for Baleba alongside Brighton, the Reds have the chance to beat the Amex Stadium side at their own game if they can play their cards right.
With the Lille star unlikely to cost too much, Liverpool have a real shot at trumping Brighton to a player the Seagulls see as good enough to replace a player as good as Caicedo.