Yankuba Minteh Set to Stay at Brighton as Liverpool Have Alternative Transfer Options

Liverpool's search for Mohamed Salah's replacement has been a dominant theme of their transfer business this summer. The club first failed to persuade top target Yan Diomandé to join the club, with the Ivorian instead opting to sign for Real Madrid.

Then, the Reds were said to be interested in Ibrahim Mbaye, who emerged as an option during ongoing discussions surrounding the transfer of Bradley Barcola. Yet, Mbaye seems to have been deemed too expensive by the higher-ups at Anfield.

Finally, less than two weeks before the close of the transfer window, Liverpool sent two bids in quick succession - both rejected - to Brighton for the transfer of Yankuba Minteh. The first was worth 50 million pounds, and the second worth 60 million; whilst a third bid has been widely expected. Yet, the latest news paints an entirely different picture.

Florian Plettenberg, for Sky Sports Germany, has revealed that Brighton & Hove Albion are optimistic that Yankuba Minteh will remain at the club, with no agreement in sight for a transfer to Liverpool. This is despite widespread belief that a third bid was imminent.

David Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic Podcast, has highlighted that Liverpool have other options for the right wing position.

If Minteh is no longer an option, and neither is Ibrahim Mbaye, who are Liverpool's "other options"?

The first name that comes to mind is that of Pedro Neto. The Chelsea winger has been linked to Liverpool since his Wolves days, and those links reappeared in the rumour mill this summer.

Chelsea are willing to sell the winger, but Liverpool wouldn't be the only club interested in his signature if an auction began.

Beyond Neto, there are few other high-profile options. Perhaps the Reds are considering another surprise addition, like that of Víctor Muñoz earlier in the window?

Or maybe they will revisit interest in old targets, like Malick Fofana? The Belgian is currently linked with a move to Roma from Olympique Lyonnais.

The failure to land another target in Yankuba Minteh would be a heavy blow for Liverpool, who have struggled immensely to replace Mohamed Salah since he left the club at the start of the summer window.

Liverpool fans are, quite rightly, starting to become anxious that the club have far too much business left to do with only one week left of the transfer window.

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