Liverpool ‘decide next signing’ with Alexis Mac Allister transfer deal close

Liverpool are prioritising the signing of Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister but should they get the deal over the line, reports suggest they will launch a move for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone. The Reds are now preparing to up the ante in the transfer market after waving goodbyes to four Anfield staples in Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who will all depart upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of June.

Liverpool need to replace their three departing midfielders and an agreement on personal terms is now thought to be close with World Cup winner Mac Allister.

Widespread reports suggest Liverpool are looking to close the deal within the next week or so as they prepare to enter formal talks with Brighton over a fee.

Mac Allister broke down in tears at full-time after Brighton’s final-day defeat at Aston Villa which strongly indicates he has now played his last game for the Seagulls.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Gladbach maestro Kone will become the subject of interest once a deal for Mac Allister has been finalised.

While the 22-year-old managed just one goal and one assist in 30 Bundesliga outings this season, he is known for his combative style of play and ability to break up opposition attacks.

That is reflected in his disciplinary record having received 22 yellow cards in 57 Bundesliga appearances since his transfer from Toulouse in 2021.

Kone is thought to be available for a fee in the region of £30million to £35m, meaning he is very much affordable for the Reds should they seek to strike an agreement with Gladbach.

Liverpool have also been linked with a host of other central midfielders in the past few days including Nice starlet Khephren Thuram.

Much like Kone, Thuram is also French and 22 years of age but he also displays similar qualities on the field having starred in Ligue 1 this season.

He is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects due to his industry and technical quality in the middle of the park.

Bruno Guimaraes was also linked with Liverpool within the South American media but the Brazil international is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Newcastle.

Liverpool are also looking to strengthen at the back as they prepare to overhaul their midfield before the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

A central defender and potential cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back are among the topics on the agenda for newly-appointed sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

Schmadtke has strong connections in the Bundesliga having left his previous role with Wolfsburg as recently as January.

The 59-year-old German, who will work closely with Klopp, replaced Julian Ward who has now left Anfield after 11 years of service within various roles.

There could also be departures at Anfield with Fabio Carvalho among those facing an uncertain future despite the fact Liverpool recently rejected an undisclosed bid from RB Leipzig for the attacking midfielder.