Liverpool: £100m South American 'more attainable' than Bellingham at Anfield

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By Danny Rust

Published Sep 17, 2022

Liverpool stand a better chance of signing a £100million South American midfielder than Jude Bellingham as he is 'more attainable', it has been claimed.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during The FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on July 30, 2022 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp should double down in his efforts to sign Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo as he is the 'most attainable' option on the Anfield club's shortlist, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Arthur Melo joined the Reds on a season-long loan from Serie A giants Juventus earlier this month, but the Merseyside outfit could strengthen their squad when the transfer window reopens in January or next summer.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Caicedo?

According to Ecuadorian media outlet Tera Deportes, via the Express, Liverpool headed to Brighton with a bid for Caicedo as the clock ticked towards the transfer deadline earlier this month.

The report suggests the Seagulls have told Klopp's charges they will prioritise the Reds' proposal if they make another offer for Caicedo, who has made six appearances and scored one goal so far this season, in January.

However, Graham Potter, who left Brighton to take over as Chelsea's new head coach last week, has revealed Liverpool will have to spend big if they want to get a deal over the line.

He has revealed it would take a bid worth close to £100million to tempt Brighton into selling Caicedo and the 20-year-old's current employers are ready to discuss a new contract in an attempt to fend off suitors.

Arsenal, Manchester United, West Ham United, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen have also been coveting the central midfielder.

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Caicedo?

Liverpool have been linked with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and West Ham captain Declan Rice, along with Caicedo, in recent months.

But O'Rourke believes the Reds should prioritise targeting the South American as they are more likely to succeed in their pursuit.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "All three are top midfielders and I think Liverpool should be looking to get at least one of them in next summer if they can.

"The one who would be the most attainable might be Moises Caicedo from Brighton, rather than the other two, who would be big, big money as well."

Would Caicedo cost less than Bellingham and Rice?

With former Brighton chief Potter suggesting it would cost up to £100million to sign 23-cap Ecuador international Caicedo, he would be a cheaper option than Bellingham and Rice.

Bellingham would cost slightly more as Dortmund are reportedly unwilling to sanction his departure for less than £103million.

West Ham slapped a £150million price tag on Rice earlier this year as they looked to deter suitors, so he would be the most expensive of the midfielders on Klopp's shortlist.

However, it is clear that Caicedo, Bellingham and Rice would cost more than Darwin Nunez, who became Liverpool's record signing when he joined from Benfica in the summer.