Liverpool hope to beat Man United to signing of midfielder

Premier League leaders Liverpool host Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the first round of matches in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday.

The reigning league champions had to battle to secure a victory against newly-promoted Burnley in their last outing on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah’s penalty in added time earning Arne Slot’s side all three points.

That victory means Liverpool are the only Premier League side that have won all four of their matches in the competition so far this term, with the reigning champions sitting top of the table.

In the build up to the visit of Atletico, it has emerged that Liverpool are eyeing a shock move to sign a Manchester United target.

As per IndyKaila News, Liverpool are interested in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba ahead of the January transfer window.

Baleba has attracted interest from both Manchester United and Liverpool (Photo: PA Images/Alamy)

The Cameroon international was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the recent transfer window, but the report claims that fierce rivals Liverpool are now set tor rival the Red Devils for the player’s signature.

Baleba, 21, joined the Seagulls from French side Lille back in 2023 and has since made more than 80 appearances for the south coast club across all competitions.

The Cameroonian has established himself as one of the most sought after central midfielders in the Premier League over the past year or so, and it appears that the reigning champions are now interested in the player.

Baleba’s contract with Brighton is set to run until until the end of the 2027/28 season, but it remains to be seen whether the club would be willing to sell the midfielder next year after insisting that he was not for sale this summer.