Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister - and the Argentina World Cup winner has already indicated to Jurgen Klopp the position he wants to play.
The 24-year-old signed for the Seagulls from Argentinos Juniors in 2019, and has established himself in the club's starting XI over the last three seasons.
But he has taken his game to new levels this campaign, scoring 10 goals in all competitions and playing a key role in Brighton's battle to secure European football next season for the first time in their history.
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And his crowning achievement came whilst representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar, with the midfielder assisting Angel Di Maria for Argentina's second goal against France prior to their win on penalties.
Liverpool have been linked with a summer move for Mac Allister - and speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the club are confident the deal is nearing the closing stages.
He said: "They [Liverpool] presented their project to the player side. Liverpool had direct meeting to present their project to Alexis Mac Allister.
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"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."
Mac Allister makes stance clear amid Liverpool interest
With Liverpool looking to revamp their midfield, Mac Allister may not be the club's only signing in the centre of the pitch that is made this summer.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain look set to depart on free transfers, whilst veteran midfielder James Milner is reportedly closing in on a move to Brighton.
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Whether Reds boss Jurgen Klopp elects to play a two or three-player midfield remains to be seen - but Mac Allister has already hinted that he would not want to play in a deeper role at Anfield.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail in October, the Argentinian said: "The first year [at Brighton] wasn't easy for me. I found it very hard coming from Argentina with a different language and different way to play football. I physically wasn't as strong as I am today.
"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."
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If Mac Allister does join Liverpool, he will likely operate on the left or right of a midfield three, or even in an attacking role behind the central striker if Klopp decides to go down that route.
Topics: Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool, Premier League, Transfers