BBC 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has claimed that Liverpool transfer target Moises Caicedo ‘would fancy’ the opportunity to play under Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Summer interest

The Reds were credited with a strong interest in the Brighton starlet during the summer window due to the ongoing midfield injury crisis, but it was instead Arthur Melo who made the loan switch from Juventus to cover.

The Mirror’s Tom Hopkinson claims that the Seagulls are readying a bumper contract offer for the 20-year-old that would take his salary closer to other members of the first team in a bid to fend off any future interest.

The Latest: Hutton backs Caicedo move

Asked by Football Insider whether Liverpool would be dealt a blow by failing to land Caicedo, former top flight full-back Hutton said:

“At this moment in time, yes. I think he’s a really good player.

“Obviously you see the style that Brighton play I think that would suit a player coming to Liverpool. They like to play with the ball and Liverpool, at this moment in time, need midfield reinforcements. It’s there for everybody to see. It’s no sleight on the players that are there, it’s just that they need help in the midfield.

“You can understand Brighton wanting to offer him a new contract. Still, that lure will be there to play for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. They’re still going to challenge, yes they’re going through a sticky period at this moment in time but you don’t become a bad team overnight. They’re full of quality players, international players. So it’s probably something that he thinks that he would fancy a bash at.“

The Verdict: Bellingham alternative?

Liverpool are known to have been tracking Jude Bellingham for a long time now, and whilst Caicedo still has three years remaining on his Brighton deal, he would likely prove a much cheaper option than the Dortmund ace.

The Ecuadorian, dubbed a ‘machine’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has averaged 2.7 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per league game this season and has already found the back of the net (WhoScored).

With Graham Potter now having left the Amex to join Chelsea, Caicedo may have had a change of heart surrounding his future on the south coast, something which could stand Liverpool in good stead in the January transfer window.