Liverpool transfer news as Brighton midfielder eyed and 19-goal forward targeted - Liverpool.com

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Liverpool might have lost its place at the top of the Premier League, but that doesn't mean it won't do all it can to reclaim top spot.

And while Arne Slot will continue putting in the work with his players on the training pitch, those working behind the scenes could now have extra motivation to splash the cash in the January transfer window.

However, with recruitment in January being notoriously tough, the Reds are already looking ahead to next summer and have been linked with two fresh names who they believe could bolster the current depth of the squad.

And the first of those is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who becomes the latest Seagull to be linked with a move to Anfield as the Slot aims to upgrade his midfield options.

According to talkSPORT, Baleba has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool in the near future, although the club will face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham for his signature.

The Cameroon international only joined Brighton in the summer of 2023 from Lille in a deal reportedly worth around $30million (£23m/€28m), yet an impressive start to life on the south coast has seen his stock rise once more - meaning it's unlikely he'll come cheap.

Elsewhere, Liverpool could look for a cheap striking option to replace Darwin Nunez next season and a shock report has claimed that Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta is at the top of the shortlist.

The Reds are believed to be keen on adding to their attacking ranks due to the Uruguayan's continued struggles in front of goal, yet are reluctant to splash the cash on a replacement.

With this in mind, Mateta is seen as a viable option due to his lowly pricetag with Spanish outlet Fichajes also reporting that the Frenchman's physicality and Premier League experience is admired by the Reds.