Liverpool transfer news: Reds closing in on agreement to sign £80m star

Liverpool are closing in on an agreement to sign an £80m star.

It's no secret that Liverpool need to strengthen their options out wide this summer.

With Mohamed Salah leaving the club, the Reds have lost far more than just a world-class winger.

They've lost a player who could decide games on his own, consistently deliver goals and assists, and produce moments of magic when the team needed them most. Replacing that kind of output isn't something one signing can realistically do, which is why Liverpool should be looking to bring in more than one wide attacker.

The arrival of Andoni Iraola only makes that need even greater. His teams rely on quick, aggressive wingers who can stretch defences, win the ball back high up the pitch and attack with real purpose. Wide players aren't just there to provide width in his system - they're a huge part of how his teams create chances and keep opponents under constant pressure.

Liverpool already have some talented attacking players, but there are still question marks over the depth and balance of the squad, especially with a new manager bringing a completely different style of play.

If Liverpool want to hit the ground running under Iraola and compete for the biggest trophies again, signing at least one or two top-quality wingers has to be near the top of the club's priority list.

It's an area they simply can't afford to ignore this summer.

The tricky thing is finding the right one. Liverpool thought they had it under control with the signing of Yan Diomande. But the Ivorian opted to choose the Paris Saint Germain project instead.

From Diomande's perspective, the decision is an understandable one.

Paris Saint-Germain have established themselves as one of Europe's dominant forces, winning back-to-back Champions League titles while playing some of the continent's most dynamic attacking football under Luis Enrique. For a young forward looking to develop at the highest level, there are few more attractive destinations.

For Liverpool, however, the consequences are significant.

Diomande was never viewed as a direct successor to Salah, but he was one of the few right-wing prospects on the market with the potential to eventually grow into that role. His ability to eliminate defenders in one-versus-one situations, combined with his explosiveness and confidence in possession, gives him the profile of a player capable of developing into one of Europe's elite attackers.

That is precisely why missing out is such a blow.

The pool of high-level right-wing talent is remarkably small, particularly when clubs are searching for players with both immediate quality and long-term potential. Liverpool are now forced to explore a much thinner market, where suitable alternatives are far less obvious and compromises become increasingly likely.

Replacing Salah was always going to be one of the club's defining recruitment challenges. Missing out on one of the standout candidates only makes that task even more complicated.

However, as often these transfers go, Liverpool can still come out on top. Just as they did when they missed out on Julian Brandt and signed Salah instead or when they missed out on Timo Werner and brought in Diogo Jota.

Now missing out on Diomande will see Liverpool turn their attention to Yankuba Minteh.

TEAMtalk reports that the Reds are considering making a move for the Gambian international, who Brighton value around £80m. It's a hefty fee but there will likely be room for negotiations, and potentially a way to meet the fee with performance based add-ons that work for Liverpool.

Interestingly, it looks like Brighton are making moves to move on from Minteh. Earlier in the window they wrapped up the signing of Zadok Yohanna, who is one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe.

Now reports are emerging that Brighton are preparing an offer for Ruben Vargas, yet another winger to add to their ranks.

If this latest update is true then Liverpool are likely closing in on an agreement for Minteh. After all, Brighton are clearly paving the way for the Gambian to leave the club - they wouldn't be trying to stockpile so much talent on the flanks.

Minteh may not be as popular of a signing as Diomande, but he is a star and he could prove to be extremely successful at Anfield. His style of play is tailor-made for Iraola.