Liverpool chief contacts Brighton over Bissouma availability

Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has reportedly contacted Brighton about a move for midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Reds are leading the race for Bissouma’s signature and want to sign him if they lose Gini Wijnaldum this summer.

Brighton manager Graham Potter has been repeatedly asked about the player’s future but is keen to avoid the topic.

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According to Anfield Central, Liverpool have asked Brighton about Bissouma’s availability.

They’re weighing up a major move for the talented 24-year-old. He’s been a standout performer for the Seagulls in the last two seasons.

It’s thought that a £40million bid would be enough to bring him to Anfield, as Brighton aim to make a profit on the Mali international.

They originally brought him to the Premier League for £15million from French side Lille.

Bissouma has featured 34 times in all competitions this term, scoring two goals. He does his best work defensively, breaking up play and stopping attacks before moving Brighton up the pitch with intelligent runs.

Bissouma was arguably the best player during the 0-0 draw with Everton earlier this month.

On Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher waxed lyrical about his performance.

He said: “The biggest talking point from the game was Bissouma, who was man of the match and the best player by a mile on the pitch.

“He really does look like a top-quality player. He was excellent at Old Trafford for Brighton and he just looked head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch [against Everton].

“He’s been someone a lot of teams have talked about or looked at. I don’t think teams will be looking at him, I think they will be bidding for him at the end of the season.

“I know Brighton fans will be watching and saying, ‘why are you trying to sell one of our players?’

“He’s got a couple of years to go [on his contract]. You’re at that stage where you either sign a new contract or Brighton get top dollar for him, and I think you would get top dollar for him, that is the model.”

Bissouma is viewed as the ideal replacement for Wijnaldum in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, as the Dutchman nears a Barcelona switch.

Ryan Gravenberch and Sander Berge are other midfielders being considered by Liverpool chiefs.