Liverpool make major Yankuba Minteh transfer decision as Brighton raise asking price

Liverpool remain interested in signing Yankuba Minteh, but the Reds have reportedly decided they will not pay more than £70million for the Brighton winger.

Brighton have now increased their valuation to around £80m, leaving the two Premier League clubs at an impasse heading into the final days of the transfer window.

Liverpool have intensified their pursuit of Minteh over the past week as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his attacking options.

The Reds initially submitted an offer worth £50m, which Brighton rejected. They subsequently returned with an improved £60m proposal, but that was also turned down.

Brighton were initially looking for around £70m and reportedly gave Liverpool until Tuesday to submit a £72m offer.

That bid never arrived.

According to journalist Foday Manneh, Brighton have subsequently increased their asking price to approximately £80m (€93.5m).

Liverpool remain interested in Minteh, but they have now made what is described as a “significant decision” regarding their pursuit.

The Anfield club are unwilling to offer more than £70m and do not intend to make another move unless Brighton lower their valuation.

That effectively puts negotiations on hold.

Minteh is still waiting to discover whether Liverpool can reach an agreement with Brighton, while his agent Bakary Bojang has reportedly enlisted the assistance of British agency CAA Stellar in an attempt to facilitate the transfer.

Brighton are now waiting to see whether Liverpool change their position before the window closes next Tuesday.

The Seagulls are under little pressure to sell the 22-year-old and their decision to raise the asking price has made an already expensive transfer considerably more difficult.

Liverpool’s position is now clear: they want Minteh, but not at £80m.

Unless Brighton reconsider their demands, Iraola’s side may have to walk away or concentrate on alternative attacking targets during the final days of the window.

The ball is firmly in Brighton’s court after Liverpool decided not to meet their new £80m valuation.

Liverpool are prepared to go as high as £70m, but currently have no intention of making another offer unless Brighton soften their position.

With the transfer deadline approaching, a compromise will need to be found quickly. Otherwise, Minteh could remain at the Amex and Liverpool may have to pursue another winger.