Liverpool emerge as contenders for AFCON star after asking price lowered

Liverpool have entered the race for an in-demand Premier League star after his price tag was significantly lowered, according to a new report.

The Reds have endured a frustrating spell after seemingly getting their season back on track, with Arne Slot’s side drawing their last two, having won the previous four.

On the whole, it has been a disappointing campaign as they looked to hold on to their Premier League crown and go further in the Champions League, but with their hopes of domestic silverware resting on the FA Cup, reinforcements may be required before they can return to the summit.

And according to a recent transfer claim, Liverpool are hoping to edge ahead of their rivals by pipping them to a prime target.

According to TEAMtalk transfer insider Dean Jones, Liverpool have entered the race for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The Cameroonian has been at the Africa Cup of Nations since mid-December, but has otherwise had his season dominated by talk over his future.

Manchester United have been most closely linked, with the most recent reports claiming they remain in contact with the player’s representatives. However, no bid is thought to be forthcoming any time soon.

And another interesting development has emerged amid Liverpool’s arrival as contenders for his signature.

Brighton’s £100m asking price has been lowered to £87m, which may be more palatable to a side such as Liverpool, who spent vast sums in the summer.

It is not known whether this particular change of stance is what has sprung the Reds into action, but their sudden hankering for a midfielder of Baleba’s calibre is certainly worth noting.

The report also claims that interest in Baleba could ‘intensify’ upon his return from AFCON.

Cameroon sealed a last-16 win over South Africa on Sunday to secure a meeting with hosts Morocco on 9th January.

As for the effect of Baleba’s potential arrival on Liverpool’s squad, the ‘expectation’ remains that a summer move is more likely, despite clubs being able to do business until 2nd February.

The Reds aren’t exactly overly stocked when it comes to quality options in central midfield, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones the main senior positions.

Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai has mainly been deployed in more attacking roles or has had to deputise at right-back for most of the campaign.

Therefore, you could argue an upgrade – or even simply an extra option – is due in that area for Liverpool as they hunt for glory on multiple fronts.

In going for Baleba, Liverpool may have seen the value in stealing a march on their rivals hoping to usurp them in the table.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.