Dwight Yorke believes Manchester United have allowed Liverpool a free run at attempting to sign Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.
The World Cup winner has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield after a stunning season on the coast.
For the first time in the club’s history, they will be playing European football next season after Sunday’s win over Southampton sealed qualification.
They are on course to qualify for the Europa League but manager Roberto De Zerbi has already hinted Mac Allister will be among the players leaving the Amex Stadium this summer.
Fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo, a transfer target for Arsenal during the January window, is another expected to depart.
Liverpool are being tipped to land Mac Allister as Jurgen Klopp plots a major overhaul of his midfield options.
James Milner is expected to move to Brighton while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also leave upon the expiration of their contracts.
United had also been linked with a move for Mac Allister but Yorke believes the presence of Christian Eriksen in the squad makes it difficult to justify.
“I like Alexis Mac Allister, he has some great attributes,” he told Lord Ping.
“He’s a similar player to Christian Eriksen, so that’s probably why Manchester United have not gone for him.
“Mac Allister would be a great addition to any team, coming off a successful World Cup and he’s been very consistent in the league.
“I understand why Liverpool are looking to sign him, Manchester United should as well.
“Liverpool have been struggling in their midfield for a while and they need to refresh that area. They’ve changed their attack but not their midfield.
“If they can get Mac Allister, it would be a superb addition because it would be a different player to what they have in that team.”
