Liverpool given major Alexis Mac Allister boost as Roberto De Zerbi makes transfer admission

Liverpool have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Alexis Mac Allister following comments from Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Liverpool are in the market for several new midfielders this summer, with Mac Allister reportedly at the top of the list.

After winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar this winter, Mac Allister has continued his excellent form for Brighton – helping them beat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to all-but end the Gunners' Premier League title hopes.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool are favourites to sign Mac Allister this summer and are prepared to spend £70m on the midfielder, with Manchester United and Arsenal also interested in the former Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors star.

United, Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked with another Brighton midfielder, Moises Caicedo, who was the subject of several bids in the January transfer window.

Chelsea and Arsenal both had offers rejected for the Ecuador international, including a £70m bid from the Gunners.

De Zerbi: Caicedo, Mac Allister could leave

Speaking after his side's win over Arsenal, Brighton manager De Zerbi seemingly confirmed that Caicedo and Mac Allister would leave the club this summer.

"For sure we will lose some players, maybe Caicedo and Mac Allister," De Zerbi told Sky Sports.

"We have to be ready to bring in more good players and for the others; [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Pervis] Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us.

"I don't know if they are ready to play in the big teams. You have to arrive ready in the head. We can offer them the possibility to progress and to improve."

Brighton are on course for European football next season and still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Seagulls are currently sixth – eight points behind fourth-place Manchester United and four behind fifth-place Liverpool, having played one game less than the north west giants.

Brighton next face third-place Newcastle at St James' Park on Thursday before playing their final two games of the season against already-relegated Southampton and likely champions Manchester City.