CHRIS McKENNA:
Liverpool are hoping to finalise a deal for Alexis Mac Allister by the end of this week.
The Reds are confident of landing the Argentina World Cup winner as they negotiate with Brighton over a fee.
Mac Allister, 24, is keen on a move to Anfield despite Jurgen Klopp’s side failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The midfielder believes he can help push the club back up towards the top of the table after a below-par campaign saw them finish fifth.
Kop boss Klopp has made no secret of his ambition to bolster his midfield this summer as they look to get back into Premier League title contention.
Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed Anfield this summer.
But Klopp knows he needs to bring in new first-team starters in the position to revitalise a position which has grown stagnant in the last 12 months.
Mac Allister is seen as someone who can bring energy and also ball-playing abilities into his midfield.
The Argentina star plays a deeper No 8 role for Brighton but was used further forward by his country at the World Cup in the winter as he helped Lionel Messi and Co lift the trophy.
The fee is not known yet with speculation over a release clause being in Mac Allister’s contract continuing.
But Liverpool want a deal done as soon as possible with Klopp keen to have all his new signings in before they return for pre-season preparations on July 8.
Mac Allister will conclude personal terms once a fee is agreed with Brighton and then have a medical.
