Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool have 'signed' Alexis Mac Allister for 'way less' than reported £60m fee

Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Mac Allister, 24, has enjoyed an excellent season with the Seagulls, helping them to come sixth in the Premier League – their highest-ever league finish.

He was also a key member of the Argentina squad that triumphed at the World Cup in Qatar in the winter.

Mac Allister appeared to wave goodbye to Brighton supporters after their last home game of the season against Manchester City earlier this month and was spotted in tears after their final match against Aston Villa.

The midfielder is now set to become Liverpool's first signing of the summer transfer window, which officially opens for English clubs on June 14.

Transfer expert Romano claims Mac Allister has agreed terms on a five-year deal with Liverpool, who will trigger a release clause in his contract with Brighton in the coming days.

"Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, here we go! Full agreement completed on the contract — understand it will be valid until June 2028. Five year deal. #LFC," tweeted Romano.

"Liverpool will pay the buy out clause in the next days, way less than reported £60m fee. Medical tests in 24/48h. Done."

The Times claim Manchester United had also looked at Mac Allister, but the player's preference to move to Liverpool forced Erik ten Hag to divert his attention elsewhere.

United are now in talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who has also been linked with a move to Anfield.

Who else could Liverpool sign?

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign several new midfielders after a disappointing season, which ended without silverware or a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The Merseyside club have been linked with a number of other midfield targets, including Nice's Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone.

Liverpool may also look to sign another centre-back this summer, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol and Levi Colwill - who spent the season on loan at Brighton from Chelsea - just some of the names linked with the Reds.

What has Mac Allister said?

The imminent arrival of Mac Allister is the perfect start to the summer for Liverpool.

Football Insider claim the Argentina international is set to sign a deal worth in excess of £150,000 a week at Anfield.

Earlier this week, Mac Allister broke his silence amid the speculation surrounding his future, but stopped short of confirming he would leave Brighton.

"Review of this historic season! It was an honour to represent Brighton & Hove Albion FC in a World Cup but to become the first ever World Cup winner for this club it will be unforgettable (hopefully you will have more), as it will be your welcome after it," he wrote.

"3 years and a half ago, we were fighting for relegation and today, after so much sacrifice, suffering and work, this group will be in the history of this club for becoming the first time this club will play Europe League.

"We achieved it all together and that’s why we have to feel very proud. VAMOOOOOS."