Liverpool have spent the final days of the summer transfer window chasing a deal for Yankuba Minteh from Brighton.
The currently injured 22-year-old Gambian was looked at as a right winger is a solid choice to replace Mohamed Salah in the long run.
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Due to the cost of the deal, Andoni Iraola and former sporting director Richard Hughes opted to move on to other targets instead.
Liverpool watch Kaoru Mitoma
The wings have been boosted by the signings of both Victor Munoz – earlier in the window – and Bradley Barcola, who arrived in a big-money deal from Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool won’t be resting there, however, and are looking on a free transfer for another Brighton wide man who is currently sidelined with injury.
Kaoru Mitoma, 29, is a key player for the Seagulls after signing with Kawasaki Frontale in 2021. However, last season, the Japanese football player suffered a serious thigh injury that ruled him out of the FIFA World Cup.
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The injured Mitoma is nearing the end of his contract
The left-back’s injury is still keeping him out of the picture and there is also growing uncertainty over the star’s £80,000-a-week contract.
Mitoma’s contract expires at the end of the season and according to TEAMtalk, he is attracting interest from both Tottenham and Liverpool within the Premier League.
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi will no doubt be a big fan of the talents Mitoma has coached at the Amex.
Mitoma is a long-term target for Liverpool
And “Liverpool” are watching the elegant dribbler‘s progress since his days as a rising star in his homeland – now flourishes with the opportunity to complete a move without a transfer fee.
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“Mitoman’s long-term future at AMEX has become increasingly uncertain, with the Japan international entering the final season of his contract and talks over a new deal showing little sign of progress,” he said.
“Liverpool” has been interested in Mitoma for a long time,” the report said.
“Their recruitment team rated Mitoma highly ahead of his move to Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale, and further sources have linked Anfield with monitoring his situation with the contract coming to an end.”
Bayern and Atletico are circling a free Mitoma deal
Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are two other clubs touted as potential suitors for the Asian star – Liverpool are currently well-stocked for players in Mitoman’s position.
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One would imagine Cody Gakpo would have to move before Andoni Iraola could recruit another left-back option, while naturally right-sided attacking players remain thin on the ground for the Anfield side.
Mitoma’s first task will be to re-establish himself in Fabian Hurzeler’s side and prove he still has what it takes to impress the top clubs in the division, including Liverpool.