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The interest of Liverpool in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma has been confirmed, in addition to the steps the player is taking to make himself ready for a transfer.

Bissouma has impressed for Brighton since joining them in 2018 from Lille. Now at the age of 25, he could be ready for a step up. Liverpool were linked with him during the summer transfer window. It appears that interest – as well as that of Manchester United – remains.

The Mali international is out of contract at the Amex Stadium in 2023, so Brighton may be running out of time to enjoy him. It is becoming increasingly likely that a club of European stature will pounce in 2022.

One report even recently claimed Liverpool had already agreed a deal to sign him for £40m. Such talk may be slightly premature but the interest from Merseyside is definitely there.

According to Duncan Castles of the Transfer Window Podcast, Liverpool have been looking at Bissouma for a long time. What’s more, he could be the best value-for-money option.

“Yves Bissouma is one of the candidates they’ve been looking at for over a year now,” Castles said.

“Statistically he comes out extremely well and statistical recruitment is very important to a lot of Premier League clubs. It’s important to Manchester United and to Liverpool.

“You also have Declan Rice, but it’s going to be a multiple of the transfer fee Bissouma would command.

“Bissouma is into that accessible stage of his contract that expires in 2023. The question can be asked to Brighton at this stage.”

That question may not be one that receives a wholly positive answer, though. Despite Bissouma’s contract situation, Brighton are confident of keeping a tough stance after cashing in on another prize asset this summer.

“I think it’s become more complicated regarding the fee Brighton would accept because they’re now cash rich having received over £50m in the sale of Ben White, so they can take a stronger position with Bissouma here,” Castles continued.

“From Bissouma’s side, he wants to play Champions League football. He thought there was a good chance he would leave this summer, but I’m told that he’s preparing for this move by sharpening his off-field behaviour.

“There’ve been issues I’ve been told about regarding lateness to training and team meetings. But now Bissouma wants to get that side of being a footballer correct.

“He’s got the on-field stuff correct, but he wants to add that side to it because I think someone has had a word with him telling him that the top clubs do their homework on how you behave and how you’re going to fit into the camp.”

Liverpool told superior Bissouma alternative

While it is clear that Bissouma occupies a place in Liverpool’s thinking, he is not the only target they may consider.

One pundit recently advised them to drop their pursuit in favour of someone else from the Premier League.

Paul Robinson believes Youri Tielemans of Leicester City is the man Liverpool should be looking at. Either way, he expects movement in 2022.

“I think Tielemans would be a better option for Liverpool than Bissouma,” Robinson told Football Insider. “Does Bissouma fit the bill for [Jurgen] Klopp? I’m not so sure.

“They haven’t got a lot of money to spend. We saw that in the transfer window just gone. [Georginio] Wijnaldum played such a big part for them last season so naturally he will be missed.

“They are light in that area now so I do expect them to bring in another body in that position whether it be in January or next summer. It will be interesting to to see if Liverpool make moves in January.”

READ MORE: Klopp reveals he rejected League One offer for standout Liverpool star

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