Liverpool’s move for Alexis Mac Allister could be under threat with the Brighton star eyeing a Champions League switch.
The Reds have entered the race for the Argentine midfielder as they eye a lucrative rebuild. Talks are under way regarding a move, with the Seagulls holding out for around £70m for his signature.
A swoop for the 24-year-old might be easier said than done though with Mac Allister only keen to move to a Champions League club should he chose to depart Brighton. That could prove a stumbling block for Liverpool who are currently losing the race to qualify for next season's competition.
The Athletic report Mac Allister is desperate for Champions League football if he is to leave the Amex Stadium. They add that Liverpool face competition from fierce rivals Manchester United in the race for his signature.
Jurgen Klopp’s men could still technically land a spot in the Champions League. They go into Monday evening's showdown with struggling Leicester four points behind third-place Newcastle and fourth-place Manchester United.
They need to hope that either side wins just one of their final three matches to stand any chance in returning to Europe’s top table. Should that not happen, then they face the very real prospect of missing out on Mac Allister.
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Klopp has claimed Liverpool could still attract players without Champions League football, though whether he could persuade Mac Allister would seem unlikely, given Brighton are on course to achieve Europa League football themselves.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Leicester, Klopp said: "If I'm allowed to talk to a player, we cannot say in the moment if we have Champions League football. So, if we're already talking, then it is already clear that he already knows about that situation.
"It's obvious we have to be part of the Champions League, fight for trophies... If you want to be part of that, you're more than welcome. We cannot guarantee Champions League football.
"But all the rest is the same as before: a fantastic club with a really good football team - and a better one hopefully next year. It's really that simple. Still Liverpool. We're really attractive to a lot of players."
Fortunately, the Reds already have alternatives in mind should they lose out on Mac Allister. Chelsea’s Mason Mount has been identified as a potential target with Liverpool keen to take advantage of the midfielder entering the final 12 months on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
