Liverpool still have key transfer edge on Man City in Mac Allister pursuit, it helped them sign Van Dijk

Premier League champions Manchester City may have entered the race to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister - but Liverpool still have one reason to be confident of signing the World Cup winner this summer.

Liverpool will be in the market for several new midfielders once the transfer window opens, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo on their way out of the club this summer along with Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool had set their sights on Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham but have now ended their pursuit of the England international, who looks set to join Real Madrid instead.

Liverpool have now turned their attention to other targets, including Brighton star Mac Allister.

After helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar, Mac Allister has continued his excellent form for the Seagulls and is expected to move clubs this summer along with his teammate Moises Caicedo.

Liverpool had looked favourites for Mac Allister's signature, with the Merseyside club reportedly willing to spend £70m on the midfielder.

But it has now emerged that Premier League champions Manchester City are plotting a move for the Brighton star, casting doubt over his proposed move to Anfield.

City boss Pep Guardiola is in the market for midfield reinforcements, with Ilkay Gundogan potentially leaving on a free transfer.

A move to City would certainly be attractive to Mac Allister, with major silverware almost a guarantee at the Etihad.

But Liverpool could have one major advantage over City in the battle to sign the midfielder – Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Van Dijk explains why he picked Liverpool over Man City

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was linked with a move to City before joining the Reds but says the opportunity of working under Klopp was too good to turn down.

Speaking in 2020, Van Dijk said: "I had the chance to go to Chelsea and Man City.

"When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the town, the current squad, their plans for the near future.

"But the most important thing you look at is the manager – and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose for Liverpool.

"Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image? I sometimes sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others.

"I think it is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything in football. Klopp gives you this great feeling. He is genuinely happy when you walk into the club in the morning.

"It may sound daft, but that really inspires you as a player."

Van Dijk has been vindicated in his decision to reject City for Liverpool, with the Dutch defender going on to win every major trophy at Anfield – including the Champions League.

City are yet to be crowned European champions under Guardiola but have a golden opportunity to do so when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10.

Should they achieve the feat, it could prove to be a massive boost in their pursuit of Mac Allister.