Major boost for Liverpool as midfield target's club slash their asking price by £20m

Liverpool are targeting Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this January transfer window, according to multiple reports.

The Reds have been linked with the 21-year-old following injury blows to their midfield and a series of poor performances which have seen them drop to sixth in the Premier League table.

Usually one of Liverpool's most reliable players, Fabinho, has looked a shadow of his former self this season, with fans' frustrations visible in their recent 3-1 loss to Brentford.

Jurgen Klopp maintains that their defensive fragility is "not a midfield problem, it's a general thing", though the club are thought to be in the market for further midfield additions.

And news of Caicedo's drop in price may inspire the Reds to make a move, with a number of other top clubs keeping tabs on the Ecuador international.

Brighton slash price for Caicedo

Brighton have informed Premier League clubs that they will need to pay £65million if they are to land Caicedo, with Chelsea and Newcastle also thought to be interested in signing the youngster.

The Seagulls initially wanted £85m for the World Cup star, but have since decreased the amount to over £60m plus add-ons, a discount which could spark clubs into action.

Caicedo joined Brighton for £4m from Ecuador side Independiente del Valle in February 2021. Current Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth was thought to be instrumental in the deal, and is now interested in luring him to St James' Park.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Graham Potter knows the player well from his Brighton managing days. But sources insist Liverpool are in just as good a position as the two clubs to sign Caicedo this January, claim The Mirror.

The Seagulls' head coach Roberto De Zerbi remains resistant to selling the player, stressing his desire for Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister to stay at the club. He stated at the end of last month: "I would like to keep all our players here, and I would like to add some too. My hope is that Caicedo and Mac Allister will stay with us."

The Reds' are said to still be after England superstar Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, with Real Madrid recently ruling themselves out of the race. However, Caicedo may act as a cheaper alternative should Liverpool miss out.

Cody Gakpo was Klopp's first signing of the window, and is expected to bolster Liverpool's attack following injuries to both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.