Liverpool muscle Man Utd, Chelsea aside as Fabrizio Romano delivers huge news for Klopp on £70m midfielder swoop

Liverpool are reportedly closing on the signing of Alexis Mac Allister with Fabrizio Romano providing a promising update that has left both Chelsea and Manchester United trailing in the Merseysiders’ wake.

The Merseysiders have finally found their winning touch again late in the season. On Wednesday night, they edged to a 1-0 win over Fulham at Anfield to record a fifth straight win. But that is the first time they have achieved such a feat this season in what has been a difficult campaign.

Indeed, while the Reds are now just four points behind Manchester United in fourth, Erik ten Hag’s side do have two games in hand. The first of those comes on Thursday evening when they travel to Brighton. And a win on the south coast will put them in touching distance of a Champions League place.

That will likely leave Liverpool playing Europa League football; a less-than-enthralling prospect after several seasons in the Champions League.

It all leaves Klopp facing up to something of a major rebuild this summer having seen his side fall off their perch. And the main focus of his team strengthening will come in the midfield, having seen his side overrun there all too often this season.

Indeed, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to leave, Klopp will have at least two positions to fill. Furthermore, it seems that James Milner is heading south for one final career challenge too.

As a result, Klopp is reportedly seeking as many as five new arrivals this summer. And with Jude Bellingham reportedly close to agreeing on a move to Real Madrid, Klopp is instead turning attention to other midfield targets.

READ MORE: Klopp orders ambitious £88m raid for ‘world class’ Newcastle man as report claims Liverpool eye successor to three ageing stars

Liverpool closing on Alexis Mac Allister deal

Now though it seems that Liverpool are making significant progress towards the signing of Mac Allister.

The Brighton star has enjoyed a spectacular season, winning the World Cup with his country in December.

And in the Premier League, his outstanding form has seen him establish himself as one of leading all-round midfielders.

His displays have seen the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly looking to prise the 24-year-old away from the AMEX.

Now, however, it seems as though Klopp and Co are nudging ever closer to his signing.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, trusted reporter Romano claims Liverpool fancy their chances of sealing his signing.

“I can tell you that Liverpool feel they are making progress in the negotiation to sign Alexis Mac Allister,” Romano said.

“They presented their project to the player side so Liverpool had direct meeting to present their project to Alexis Mac Allister.

“They are going to push on the player side and then they feel that they can close the deal with Brighton. So the point is the player.

“But Liverpool are going to push in the next weeks for Alexis Mac Allister.”

Romano claims Liverpool lead Man Utd, Chelsea for Mac Allister

The 24-year-old star has 10 goals and one assist for Brighton so far this season. And that form has also seen the player linked with moves to both Chelsea and Manchester United.

Indeed, reports last month revealed United have also already held talks with his agent over a move to Old Trafford.

That led Brighton chief executive Paul Barber to issue a strong update over the player’s future.

Now, however, Romano is convinced that both Chelsea and United have been left trailing behind Liverpool.

Indeed, with both clubs focusing on other areas of their side, Liverpool have taken a big step towards his signing.

“Liverpool want to take advantage of that,” Romano added. “And they presented their project to Mac Allister.

“So they want to get the deal done for Alexis Mac Allister, let’s see how the negotiation will continue in the next weeks.”

Per reports, Brighton will demand a fee of around £70m for the player. Having signed for just £7m, Mac Allister looks set to become the latest big-money Seagulls sale.

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