Report: Liverpool eye Brighton's Joao Pedro as top transfer target

Talks are planned for the January transfer window, with the aim of finalising a move at the end of the current season.

Joao Pedro, 23, has been in scintillating form for Brighton this season. In just nine Premier League games, he has scored four goals and provided three assists, thriving under the guidance of Brighton's new manager, Fabian Hurzeler.

Pedro's contributions have helped Brighton climb to seventh place in the league, just three points shy of Manchester City in fourth and firmly in the hunt for European qualification.

Described as a "9.5" striker, Pedro's ability to drop deep and facilitate build-up play aligns well with Liverpool manager Arne Slot's tactical vision.

Liverpool's striker position remains unsettled this season, with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota sharing responsibilities up front.

Liverpool's interest in Pedro is longstanding; the club previously tried to sign him in 2019 while he was at Fluminense.

However, concerns about recruiting directly from South America scuppered the move, allowing Pedro to join Watford instead.

The competition for Pedro's signature is expected to be fierce, with Manchester United also monitoring the forward.

Brighton, known for their tough negotiating stance, are unlikely to part with one of their star players without a fight. 

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