Liverpool shift transfer focus from Bellingham to Mac Allister

Liverpool lead Mac Allister race

Liverpool are preparing a summer bid for Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as Jurgen Klopp attempts to strengthen the midfield options in his squad. The Reds have withdrawn from the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham and have identified Mac Allister as their top target. The World Cup winner recently signed a new contract with Brighton, so will not come cheap.

The Telegraph reports: “Mac Allister, 24, has been identified as a target for Klopp after four seasons at the Amex Stadium.

“Mac Allister is also on Manchester United’s shortlist, with Erik ten Hag eager to improve his midfield this summer. Mac Allister also has a link at Newcastle, as their sporting director Dan Ashworth signed him at Brighton.

“Klopp has been assessing which midfielders to pursue for the summer window. It is an area he wants to strengthen and has also looked at Holland international Ryan Gravenberch at Bayern Munich. Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Bellingham, after Liverpool withdrew their interest as they decided they could not afford to sign the midfielder.”

Bellingham battle continues

The battle to sign Jude Bellingham is far from over, despite reports in Spain on Wednesday stating that Real Madrid were close to agreeing a deal with Borussia Dortmund for the 19-year-old. Real Madrid are more confident of completing a deal to sign Bellingham, but have not negotiated a transfer fee for the wonderkid.

The Athletic confirms: “Madrid sources denied to The Athletic that an agreement or even an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund has been reached. Other sources close to the subject said the clubs have not yet entered into decisive talks over a fee.

“Club sources indicate they are willing to make an effort for Bellingham, but always explain their thinking with the caveat that they have no plans to do anything crazy, or enter into an auction with Premier League rivals who can afford to spend more.”

However, “according to Madrid sources, Bellingham has said he would be excited to join and that he loves the project being prepared for him.”

Emery’s ambitious plans for Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has put together an ambitious shortlist of transfer targets ahead of the summer window. The former-Arsenal and Paris Saint-German boss has his side fighting for European places and wants to strengthen his squad to mirror his expectations. Villa will target Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres and Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney.

The Telegraph reports: “The targeting of two players of Torres and Vlahovic’s calibre comes as Villa look to finalise a deal with Mateu Alemany, Barcelona’s departing director of football, to join in a senior role.

“It remains to be seen whether either Torres or Vlahovic would be willing to join the Midlands club, with Torres thought to be happy to fight for his place at Barcelona.

“It is understood that Villa are also hoping to rival Newcastle United in the race for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney, who is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.”

£60m-rated Barnes could leave Leicester

Harvey Barnes is being linked with a Leicester City exit this summer and could leave the Foxes even if they avoid Premier League relegation. Leicester are reportedly ready to complete a squad overhaul and will cash in on both Barnes and James Maddison in order to rebuild. Barnes has been the subject of interest for a number of Premier League clubs.

The Mail reveals: “The 25-year-old was valued at £60million when Newcastle enquired this time last year and both Tottenham and Aston Villa are believed to be watching developments closely.

“Villa will target at least one wide man over the course of the summer while Spurs are likely to pursue homegrown players in their next recruitment.”