Liverpool learn of massive Alexis Mac Allister discount – but Klopp must sacrifice much-loved star to Brighton in swap

Alexis Mac Allister on the substitute's bench for Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium

Liverpool are seemingly edging their way closer to the signing of Alexis Mac Allister  – and a report claims they could secure the transfer for a significantly-reduced fee as part of a swap deal.

The Argentina star is enjoying an exceptional season for club and country. Winning the World Cup in December was the height of his professional career so far. If the 24-year-old plays for another decade at the top, he will unlikely get close to enjoying such success again.

However, he is looking to take his club career to the next level next season after truly underlining his qualities this season. And the 12 goals in 35 appearances he has to his name this term have really established Mac Allister as one of the elite Premier League midfielders.

As a result, it’s easy to see why so many clubs are keen to bring in the 16-times capped star.

That chase was initially led by Manchester United, with talks between the player’s representatives giving the Red Devils the early advantage.

However, despite rival interest from Chelsea, it is Liverpool who appear to have nearest his signing. Indeed, a report claims Mac Allister has now made up his mind on where he will play his football next season.

Furthermore, with a clause in his deal coming to light, there stands a very good chance the star will be on the move this summer.

That is despite the midfielder signing a new deal earlier this season to cement his future to Brighton until 2025.

However, Liverpool’s prospects of a deal are seemingly on the rise.

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Brighton keen on Liverpool man as part of Mac Allister deal

And amid claims they are willing to treble his wages to £150,000 a week, it seems inevitable that a move to Anfield will go through.

Now their hopes have been given a further shot in the arm amid a report from the Irish Independent. They claim Brighton, who value Mac Allister at around the £60m mark, are willing to accept a reduced fee if they can take a Liverpool star as part of the deal.

And the player they have their eyes on is Liverpool’s No 2 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Ireland stopper is likely to depart Anfield this summer, though only if Liverpool’s £20m valuation is met.

Despite his lack of action, Klopp values Kelleher extremely highly. And he will only reluctantly cash in on the much-loved star if their asking price is met.

The 24-year-old is attracting interest from Tottenham and Brentford. Both sides are likely to be seeking new No 1s this summer.

However, Liverpool’s interest in Mac Allister puts Brighton in pole position to land the 10-times capped keeper.

And he seems ready to move on and establish himself as the main man somwhere else. Having deputised admirably for Alisson in recent seasons, few would deny him that chance.

While there remains some distance to go in the transfer of both men, the report claims Liverpool could land Mac Allister for a reduced £40m if Kelleher moves the other way.

Mac Allister not forcing a move to Liverpool

Nonetheless, there appears a growing confidence that a move to Anfield will transpire for Mac Allister this summer.

Any thoughts over a move, however, will be put on the backburner and until the current season is done. The star remains focused on helping Brighton secure European football at the Amex next season.

And only when the last ball is kicked will thoughts turn to his future.

That’s certainly the opinion of transfer journalist Dean Jones. And he says the star will not rock the boat and force Brighton’s hand at this stage.

“Mac Allister is such a nice guy and he’s not rocking the dressing room or anything like that,” he told the Chasing Green Arrows podcast. “It’s not like he’s pushing for a transfer, things will happen themselves for him.

“Brighton, obviously like there’s been new stories over the last 24 hours about the fact that there’s no contact here. Brighton are not expecting anything right now.

“Look, they said pretty much the same thing about [Marc] Cucurella and like 24, 48 hours later he was gone.

“No, there’s no actual direct contact at this moment between the clubs. But Liverpool do like Mac Allister, there’s intermediaries that are aware of all this and stuff is going on.”

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