I don’t want to play that role — Liverpool target warns

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has reportedly indicated his preferred position to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, as the Reds close in on signing the Argentina World Cup winner.

Mac Allister has been a key player for Brighton over the past three seasons, with his form reaching new heights this campaign, having scored 10 goals in all competitions.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mac Allister as they look to bolster their midfield, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expected to depart on free transfers, and veteran James Milner reportedly closing in on a move to Brighton.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Liverpool had presented their project to the player side and that they are confident the deal is nearing its final stages. “They are going to push on the player 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,” he said.

However, Mac Allister has already hinted that he would not want to play in a deeper role at Anfield, saying in an interview with the Daily Mail in October, “I wanted to kill him [then manager Graham Potter, for adapting his position], but that’s part of football. He was very helpful – improving my versatility and physicality. I’m a much better player today because of it so I can thank him a lot.”

If the deal goes through, it is likely that Mac Allister will operate on the left or right of a midfield three, or in an attacking role behind the central striker if Klopp decides to go down that route.

Liverpool are expected to push for the signing of Mac Allister in the coming weeks, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season.