When Liverpool were searching for a midfielder toward the end of transfer window, one of the names linked with Jurgen Klopp's side was Moises Caicedo.
Brighton, however, were under no pressure to sell Caicedo, having received more than £100m in player sales, and Liverpool instead turned to Arthur Melo, the Brazilian international who arrived on a season-long loan from Juventus and who could make his debut in tonight's Champions League opener at Napoli.
But former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes it won't be long before clubs of the stature of the Reds return for the 20-year-old Ecuador international, who is a key man in Graham Potter's talented team and is under contract on the south coast until 2025.
READ MORE: Napoli director delivers Champions League verdict on 'struggling' Liverpool ahead of clash
READ MORE: Roberto Firmino speaks out on Darwin Nunez 'competition' and sends strong Liverpool message
Owen, speaking after Caicedo scored in Brighton's 5-2 win over Leicester City at the weekend, said: “I like this lad. I think there are a lot of teams looking at him. There were rumours that he could be one of the next big money buys or sales from Brighton’s perspective.
“That’s the reason why (goal against Leicester). It was a really assured finish and performance.”
Caicedo is focussed on the World Cup in Qatar and is keen to keep playing regular football ahead of the tournament in November.
"I’m not thinking about any other club than Brighton," he said. "This is the club where I am now and I will give everything for this club and to keep doing well here," said the midfielder.
READ MORE:
- Sadio Mane messages are beyond boring - Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have moved on
- Liverpool's reluctant hard man who Vinnie Jones feared more than anyone
- Liverpool set to be reunited with two former players as Diego Simeone's son to face Reds
- Jurgen Klopp told why he might have big concern over Liverpool summer signing
- Robbie Williams makes Man United claim about Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
