Liverpool dealt major transfer blow as Premier League rival consider shock move for star player

Liverpool have fielded interest from a Premier League rival for one of their star players as the transfer window continues to throw up surprises.

On Monday, Liverpool announced the signing of Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with an option to buy the Uruguayan centre-back for €55 million (£47.14 million) at the end of the campaign.

Araujo became the second player to arrive at Anfield this summer after Victor Munoz joined in a £34.5 million deal from Osasuna in June.

A relatively quiet start to the summer appears to have sprung into life, and the Reds are continuing their relentless pursuit to improve their squad before the window shuts.

Andoni Iraola has made signing a wide forward his priority and Liverpool have been heavily linked with Bradley Barcola, though Paris Saint-Germain's eye-watering £145m asking price is proving to be a major stumbling block.

The Merseyside giants are anticipating further incomings before the September 1 deadline, but could also offload several of their first-team stars to raise more funds.

Liverpool have already watched Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah depart at the end of their contracts in June, with others set to follow.

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of Curtis Jones, who remains a top target for Inter Milan, and was left out of the squad that beat Monaco 3-2 with a minor hip injury.

Jones could potentially depart Anfield this summer as his contract only has one year left to run, while Tottenham are keen on signing Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa continues to weigh up alternatives to staying at Anfield.

Man City eye shock transfer for Alexis Mac Allister

According to talkSPORT, Alexis Mac Allister is also among the players being targeted by rival clubs, with Manchester City shortlisting him as a potential replacement for Rodri.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is in advanced talks with Barcelona over a £55m switch after winning the World Cup with Spain, and Mac Allister is seen as an 'affordable option' to replace him compared to Chelsea superstar Enzo Fernandez and Crystal Palace playmaker Adam Wharton.

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Mac Allister returned to Liverpool training on Monday after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final and he is looking to impress Iraola after a disappointing campaign last term.

The 27-year-old saw his form and performances dip under Arne Slot after inspiring the Reds to their second Premier League title in 2025.

While City could test the waters with a bid for all-action midfielder, The Athletic have already suggested that he is 'not likely' to leave Anfield and could play a 'key part' in Iraola's squad.

That essentially rules out the possibility of him departing Liverpool unless a replacement is found first, but as it stands, investing in other positions is taking priority.

At the same time, an opening offer from Man City could persuade Mac Allister to join Enzo Maresca's project, although his focus remains on preparing for his fourth campaign on Merseyside.

Liverpool host Serie A side Como on Sunday (August 16) in their final friendly of pre-season before travelling to Newcastle United a week later for their first game of the Premier League season.

Mac Allister will hope to be ready for their showdown against Newcastle, as he aims to translate his impressive World Cup performances across to his club.