Alexis Mac Allister is closing in on a big transfer to Liverpool, despite Manchester United showing interest in the midfielder.
WHAT HAPPENED? The Argentina international is set to unite with Jurgen Klopp’s team in a move reportedly worth £35m ($43.5m) and has completed a medical with the permission of his club Brighton.
WHY IS HE GOING TO LIVERPOOL? United were believed to be in the race for Mac Allister but, according to The Times, the player prefers to play for Liverpool, which has compelled Erik ten Hag to consider other midfield options this summer. United are interested in Mason Mount and are hoping to strike a deal with Chelsea for the England midfielder.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: A further report from The Athletic cites Mac Allister’s versatility as a trait both Liverpool and United admired when monitoring the 24-year-old. They also claim Mac Allister’s father Carlos told Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi that his son preferred playing in a more advanced role – where he’s expected to feature for Klopp. It was also reported that Mac Allister refused to move to Old Trafford because Marcus Rashford won’t relinquish his preferred No.10 jersey, but that is probably a heap of rubbish.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MAC ALLISTER? The move looks set to be officially announced by Liverpool shortly, Mac Allister will then join up with his new teammates for pre-season training in July, with their first friendly against German side Karlsruher SC on July 19.
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Liverpool set to battle Premier league rivals for Brighton star Moises Caicedo
As stated by the Telegraph, Liverpool is reportedly considering joining the race to sign Moises Caicedo, as Jurgen Klopp believes that strengthening the midfield is still necessary, despite the potential arrival of Alexis Mac Allister.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has gained attention in the English transfer market, with several top teams showing interest in the £70 million-rated player.
Brighton is open to selling Caicedo for the right price. While it is unclear where the midfielder will end up, Liverpool has been gathering information about him for several months.
Initially, it was suggested that they might not compete for his signature, but there are now indications that they could enter the pursuit along with other league clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Caicedo had an impressive season with Brighton, contributing to their sixth-place finish in the Premier League and their qualification for the Europa League.
The highly-rated 21-year-old is seeking a greater challenge despite the opportunity to play under Roberto De Zerbi in the continental competition. It is widely believed that the midfielder desires to play in the Champions League next season.
Among the interested clubs, only Arsenal and Manchester United can offer him the opportunity to play in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
The Gunners are currently considered the frontrunners to secure his signature, and Brighton expects them to meet their valuation.
In the previous January transfer window, Arsenal had two bids rejected by Brighton, with their final offer reportedly reaching £70 million.
It is anticipated that the Seagulls will demand an even higher fee for Caicedo, with varying reports suggesting a price range between £80-100 million.
Liverpool could face difficulties in pursuing the Ecuadorian star as they have already secured the signing of Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder may prefer a move to Arsenal.
There is also talk of interest from Man United, although securing a defensive midfielder is not their top priority in the upcoming transfer window.
The Reds may find it challenging to compete for Caicedo’s signature, as they have not been comfortable in bidding wars before, unlike their successful acquisition of Mac Allister.
