Liverpool 'join Man Utd' in race for Brighton striker Joao Pedro | OneFootball

Liverpool are reported to be planning talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal to sign striker Joao Pedro.

Pedro, 23, has four goals and three assists in nine games for Brighton, dazzling under new manager Fabian Hurzeler to steer the Seagulls into the race for European qualification. They currently sit seventh but just three points behind Manchester City in fourth.

According to UOL Esporte, Pedro's form has caught the eye of Liverpool, who have made the Brazil international one of their top transfer priorities ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Reds expect tricky negotiations with Brighton and are therefore prepared to open talks in the January transfer window, with a view to bringing Pedro to Anfield at the end of the campaign.

Also complicating Liverpool's pursuit is rival interest from Manchester United. Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth were known to be huge admirers of Pedro and the Red Devils' interest is believed to remain even now both men have departed the club.

Pedro has plenty of admirers / Eddie Keogh/GettyImages

Liverpool have a long history when it comes to Pedro. In the summer of 2019, they were reported to have made a last-gasp move to sign him from Fluminense ahead of his pre-agreed move to Watford.

There were claims that the Liverpool hierarchy had concerns about signing players directly from South America, leading to behind-the-scenes conflict and the ultimate collapse of a possible move for Pedro.

Now, however, they appear ready to move for Pedro, who has undoubtedly established himself as a Premier League talent since his move to Brighton.

Described as a "9.5" - a striker who enjoys dropping deep to help build-up - Pedro's style fits perfectly with Arne Slot's tactics at Liverpool. The Dutch boss is yet to find his undisputed starting striker, with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota all seeing minutes at the top of his team sheet this season.