Exclusive: Liverpool told that 24-year-old will cost them nearly £50million

Brighton and Hove Albion want nearly £50million for Yves Bissouma after they met with the player's agent in Liverpool's London offices on Friday morning.

On Thursday, Anfield Central reported that a meeting was set and after chatting to the 24-year-old's agent and sources close to Brighton, Liverpool have learned that the Seagulls want just under £50million for Bissouma.

His contract at the AMEX Stadium only expires in two years so they are under no pressure to sell but before wages are factored in, this is already a deal that is considered too costly for the Anfield outfit.

While we've been told that it's something that might be revisited down the line should significant outgoings occur, Liverpool aren't looking to spend the majority of their budget on a midfielder with other areas of the pitch in need of reinforcement as well.

The player's agent has been playing games with the Reds and the threat of walking away from a deal is a distinct possibility.

With Georginio Wijnaldum's departure, Liverpool are looking to sign a new midfielder but they will now look further down their list of targets. As soon as we hear more, you'll be the first to know.

There's no pressure to sign someone to come into the starting XI straight away with Thiago's performances during the end of season run-in showing Klopp everything he needed to see.

A midfield three of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago is world-class.

The skipper is set to travel to the Euros and bar any setbacks during the tournament, he will have a short break and then will return for pre-season and will hopefully be ready for the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

We reported on the 25th of May that Liverpool are already committing to £36million upfront for Ibrahima Konate as well as £18.2million over the course of the next five years in wages.

Signing a centre-back was the main priority for sporting director Michael Edwards heading into the summer and that's why he has been working on signing Konate since February after Dayot Upamecano was snapped up by Bayern Munich.

Once again the Reds are demonstrating their class in the transfer market after they sealed his move to Anfield.