Liverpool is certainly not averse to signing Brighton midfielders — after securing Alexis Mac Allister for a snip, it also attempted to break its transfer record for Moises Caicedo, only to lose out to Chelsea. Carlos Baleba, the Ecuadorian's replacement at the Amex, is now the one on the radar, and .

Interestingly enough, that eye-watering $141m (£111m) Caicedo bid was never really redirected elsewhere, with Liverpool more or less choosing to work with what it had after the move failed. came in on a cut-price deal, but did not pursue an alternative marquee transfer, and then did almost nothing at all in his first summer.

In the latter case, it was not for the want of trying, with Martin Zubimendi pursued to no avail. This pattern of market activity would appear to hint at a big midfield arrival finally going through this summer, with Baleba undoubtedly fitting that bill.

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Having said that, there is a pertinent question as to whether Liverpool's priorities may have changed. has been a revelation in the role that had been earmarked for Zubimendi (and Caicedo before him), leaving Slot with a first-choice midfield trio all aged 26 or younger.

And below Gravenberch, and , hugely talented players like can hardly get a kick. If Liverpool does still have $141m burning a hole in its pocket, there are other areas to think about, not least in the number nine role where continues to struggle.

But Gravenberch has looked tired lately, having been effectively run into the ground this season. And while Baleba would not arrive at a price appropriate to a "depth signing", he would certainly give Liverpool the luxury of two elite options in that holding role.

There have been between Liverpool and Baleba. And Keane has become the latest to suggest that the Cameroonian could soon bring his spell on the south coast to an end after just two years.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens this summer," Keane mused on ITV. That came after an excellent display from Baleba en route to an FA Cup win over Newcastle.

"Fantastic, great example," Keane continued. "The other clubs must be looking at Brighton and thinking, how are they doing it?"

Indeed, Liverpool might well be wondering whether it may not be more effective to cut out the middle man and simply sign the Brighton scouts. As well as Baleba, Mac Allister, and Caicedo, the Reds could also have been first to the likes of Ben White, Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella.

Of course, things don't really work that way, with the Seagulls at a level where young players can be consistently handed the opportunities they need to thrive. At Liverpool, where there is a constant expectation to win, managers cannot be expected to have patience with effectively an entire XI of untested talents.

And so the Reds must accept sometimes having to pay big transfer premiums. Whether a move for Baleba is on the cards remains to be seen, but Keane's endorsement is the latest in a growing list.