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Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh could be heading towards a crucial decision. The Reds have already seen two offers rejected by Brighton, with the latest bid reportedly worth around £60m. Brighton are understood to value the 22-year-old closer to £70m. (The Times) And now David Ornstein has provided another interesting update. Speaking about the situation, Ornstein said that if the numbers aren’t right for Liverpool, the club have another option they are weighing up and could pivot towards. However, he also stressed that he isn’t ruling Minteh out. That could be a very important development. Liverpool won’t simply pay whatever Brighton demand The biggest issue appears to be the valuation. Liverpool clearly like Minteh. They have already made two bids, which tells us this isn’t simply a player they have been monitoring. But there is a limit to what they’re prepared to pay. And I actually think that’s sensible. Minteh is an exciting 22-year-old winger with Premier League experience, but Liverpool don’t need to get themselves into a situation where they massively overpay simply because they need another wide player. Brighton know Liverpool are desperate for attacking reinforcements. Liverpool know Brighton know that. That’s how transfer negotiations work. So who is the alternative? This is the really interesting part. Ornstein hasn’t revealed the identity of the alternative, meaning Liverpool could be keeping their next move very close to their chest. The Reds have been linked with a number of attacking players throughout the summer, including Ibrahim Mbaye, Bradley Barcola and other wide options. Liverpool have already signed Victor Muñoz, but Andoni Iraola has made it clear that he wants more options in the wide areas. So it wouldn’t surprise me if Liverpool have another name ready to go. This could actually help Liverpool Having an alternative gives Liverpool more negotiating power. If Brighton know Liverpool have nowhere else to turn, they can simply keep demanding £70m or more. But if Liverpool can genuinely say: “If the price doesn’t work, we’ll move on.” then Brighton have a decision to make too. Do they stick to their valuation and risk keeping an unhappy player? Or do they compromise and find a deal with Liverpool? That’s why having another target is so important. Liverpool still need pace There is no doubt in my mind that Liverpool need another explosive winger. Alexander Isak needs service. Florian Wirtz needs runners around him. Liverpool need players capable of stretching defences and attacking space. Minteh certainly fits that profile. But if Liverpool believe another player can provide similar qualities for a more sensible fee, they shouldn’t be afraid to walk away. This is where Richard Hughes has to get it right Liverpool have already spent heavily this summer. They’ve shown that they’re willing to pay huge fees for players they believe can make a major difference. But that doesn’t mean every player should come with an enormous price tag. The best transfer windows aren’t simply about signing your first-choice players. They’re about having alternatives when negotiations don’t go your way. And Ornstein’s comments suggest Liverpool have exactly that. Minteh isn’t dead — but Liverpool have a limit. That’s probably the most important message to take from this latest update. Liverpool clearly want him. They’ve made multiple offers. But if Brighton refuse to budge and the numbers stop making sense, the Reds appear prepared to move on. And honestly, I like that approach. Get Minteh if the deal is right. Walk away if Brighton demand too much. Because Liverpool need another winger. But they don’t need to pay absolutely anything to get one. And somewhere inside Liverpool’s recruitment plans, another option is waiting. Jamie (The Kopite View)