Liverpool in pole position for rising midfield star after Julian Ward talks spring January bargaining chip

Liverpool will get January transfer priority over Moises Caicedo as a next-best option after failing to sign the Brighton star this summer, a report claims.

The Reds looked like they had shut up shop in the recent transfer market until very late on. Following a change of heart by manager Jurgen Klopp, they went after a midfielder in the final week of the window.

But after reported struggles with a number of targets, Liverpool left it late to sign Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus.

Reports in the window’s final week talked of £42million Liverpool interest in Ecuadorian star Caicedo. However, Brighton boss Graham Potter insisted chairman Tony Bloom would demand much more.

Nevertheless, Ecuador-based outlet Tera Deportes claims that Liverpool did go after Caicedo late on.

Indeed, the Anfield club supposedly had a second attempt at his signing turned down in the final hour of the window.

Brighton instead told Liverpool – led on the transfer front by sporting director Julian Ward – to try again in the upcoming January window after their star man’s participation at the World Cup.

Crucially, though, the Reds will supposedly get priority over trying to sign Caicedo in that window ahead of any other interested clubs.

Caicedo enjoys thrilling Brighton rise

The 20-year-old only signed for Brighton from Independiente in his home country last February. What’s more, he spent the first half of last term on loan in Belgium.

But after notching an assist on his Premier League debut – away at Arsenal in April no less – he has not looked back.

He finished the campaign with his first Brighton goal in a 4-0 win over Manchester United.

This term, meanwhile, Caicedo – a 23-cap Ecuador international – has missed only 11 minutes of Premier League action so far. And he scored again in Sunday’s 5-2 win over Leicester.

As such, the future looks bright for the midfielder, who will have lots of observers as the season progresses.

January move could be a stretch

Brighton do have a history of letting their top talent leave, so Caicedo could well depart soon. Marc Cucurella, Neal Maupay and Yves Bissouma all left the Amex Stadium this summer.

However, Potter has earned more plaudits this season for how his side have responded.

They sit in the Premier League’s top four with only one defeat to their name from six games.

However, a January deal for Caicedo looks a stretch. Like with Bissouma – who had links away last January but stayed put until this summer – the youngster could do the same.

Brighton will no doubt be thinking about him leaving. They could well be drawing up a plan for when the time comes.

For now, though, they can enjoy one of the Premier League’s rising stars.

Liverpool have signed two exciting midfield talents in recent years, in Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho. Adding Caicedo to the ranks would do nothing to harm their impressive-looking future in that area.