Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal for Alexis Mac Allister, despite interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Liverpool are anticipating a major overhaul to their squad in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp expected to pay particular attention to his midfield area.
The club confirmed that James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo would all leave the at the end of the season, paving the way for new recruits at Anfield.
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The Reds had initially set their sights on Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, but had their pursuit curtailed due to the extortionate transfer fees involved.
They have subsequently readjusted their focus to Brighton playmaker Mac Allister, who is tipped to leave the Amex at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool had emerged as frontrunners to sign the Argentina international, having reportedly prepared to spend £70m on the midfielder.
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But Manchester City soon arrived on the scene, and with Champions league football in their back pocket, cast serious doubt over Liverpool's chances of signing the 24-year-old.
Indeed, Pep Guardiola is thought to be in the market for midfield additions, with Ilkay Gundogan out of contract this summer and rumoured with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona.
However, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has rubbished claims that the Premier League champions could sign him, with Liverpool seemingly in pole position.
Romano drops Mac Allister update
Romano has revealed that City "are not in the race for Mac Allister" at this stage, tweeting that there had been "not talks or concrete contacts".
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And in a boost for Reds supporters, he added: "Liverpool are close to full agreement on personal terms with the player, waiting on final details."
Mac Allister faces up against Manchester City on Wednesday evening, where all eyes will be on the World Cup star as he edges ever closer towards a summer move.
Topics: Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp, Brighton And Hove Albion, Transfers, Football, Fabrizio Romano