Liverpool plan opportunistic move for injured Brighton forward

Liverpool plan opportunistic move for injured Brighton forward Liverpool spent the final days of the summer transfer window pursuing a deal for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. Currently injured the 22-year-old Gambian right winger was looked at as a solid option to replace Mohamed Salah in the long term. Owing to the cost of the deal however Andoni Iraola and former sporting director Richard Hughes opted to go for other targets instead. Liverpool watch Kaoru Mitoma The wings were fortified by the signings of both Victor Munoz - earlier in the window - as well as Bradley Barcola who arrived on a big-money deal from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool however will not rest there and are eyeing up a free transfer for another Brighton wide man who is currently on the sidelines with injury. Kaoru Mitoma, 29, has been a key player for the Seagulls since signing from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021. Last season however the Japan international suffered a devastating hamstring injury - ruling him out of the FIFA World Cup. Injured Mitoma approaching end of contract The left-winger’s injury is still keeping him out of the picture and there is increased uncertainty over the £80k per week star’s contract too. Mitoma is out of contract at the end of the season and according to a report in TEAMtalk he is attracting the interest of both Tottenham and Liverpool from within the Premier League. Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi will no doubt be a big fan of Mitoma’s talents having coached him at the Amex. Mitoma a long-term Liverpool target And Liverpool have been tracking the elegant dribbler ’s progress ever since his days as an emerging star in his homeland - with the opportunity to finalise a move without a transfer fee attached now developing. “Mitoma’s long-term future at the AMEX has grown increasingly uncertain, with the Japan international entering the final season of his contract and talks over a fresh deal showing little sign of progress,” the report reads. “Liverpool have retained a long-standing interest in Mitoma,” the report reads. “Their recruitment staff rated Mitoma highly before his move to Brighton from Kawasaki Frontale, and more sources have linked Anfield with monitoring his situation as the contract winds down.” Bayern and Atletico circle for free Mitoma deal Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are two other clubs named as potential suitors for the Asian star - with Liverpool currently well stocked for players in Mitoma’s position at present. One would imagine Cody Gakpo would have to move on before Andoni Iraola recruits yet another left-wing 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 team and prove he’s still got what it takes to impress the top clubs in the division - Liverpool included.