Liverpool have been advised to avoid paying £60m or Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister as they consider possible alternatives to Jude Bellingham.
Having long since tracked Bellingham as a prime target, the Reds will not pursue a move for the England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder this summer due to the financial costs involved. Instead, their budget will aim to cover several incomings and, with that, a revamp in their engine room.
Mac Allister is one name that continues to be linked after earning rave reviews for his Brighton performances as well as helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar this winter. Other names on the radar include Mac Allister Seagulls team-mate Moises Caicedo, as well as Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella and Chelsea's Mason Mount.
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Mount's case is particularly interesting as the England international, 24, is heading toward the final year in his Stamford Bridge contract with no extension in sight. According to former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy, he could be a better fit for Jurgen Klopp's style in any case - not just in financial terms.
Speaking to radio station talkSPORT, pundit Murphy said: "I wouldn't spend [on Mac Allister]. You would have to spend probably £60m for Mac Allister. I don't think he is what Liverpool need. He is a super player. I like him a lot. Brilliant technician. Clever footballer.
"But I think Liverpool need legs if is Klopp is going to continually play the way he does."
Murphy, 46, added: "I think they need two or three [new midfield players]. Ox (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain) will go, (James) Milner will go, (Naby) Keita will go. Mount would be good value because he's got a year left.
"You're not going to have to pay silly money for him."
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