Liverpool remain hopeful of completing signing Moises Caicedo from Brighton for a British record fee of £111 million - but they have reportedly identified an alternative in case the deal falls through.
The Reds had their offer accepted by Brighton for the Ecuador midfielder at midnight on Friday - with that being the only proposal accepted by the Seagulls.
Chelsea had told Brighton that they were willing to pay £100 million to sign the 21-year-old, although Roberto De Zerbi's side operated a 'highest bidder' that policy that saw Liverpool emerge successful.
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Since then, the transfer saga has developed into chaos.
It was reported by Sky Sports that Caicedo had told Brighton that he wanted to move to Chelsea instead. However, according to This is Anfield, the Seagulls are yet to receive an improved bid from Mauricio Pochettino's side.
If Caicedo does not end up signing for Liverpool, the Reds are interested in signing Romeo Lavia from Southampton.
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The issue with that move, however, is that Liverpool have already had three bids rejected by Southampton, with the recently-relegated Championship club still demanding £50 million for the player. And Chelsea are also keen.
Now, Liverpool have reportedly identified another Caicedo alternative at a much cheaper price.
Liverpool have identified Moises Caicedo alternative
According to ESPN NL, Liverpool are interested in signing PSV star Ibrahima Sangare this summer.
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Former Manchester City midfielder Kiki Musampa, the brother of Sangare's agent, has reportedly confirmed that Liverpool are one of the clubs who have expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old.
The Ivorian defensive midfielder was a consistent performer in the centre of the pitch for Ruud van Nistelrooy's side last season, and also chipped in with five league goals.
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He has received Premier League interest from both West Ham and Nottingham Forest, as well as German giants Bayern Munich.
According to 90min, Sangare has a €37 million release clause, and is said to have told PSV in March he is ready to test himself in the Premier League should a move arise.
Should a Liverpool move materialise, he would be able to do just that at Anfield this season.
Topics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Premier League, Transfers