Liverpool dealt major January transfer blow as club refuse to sell World Cup star

Liverpool have been dealt a January transfer blow with reports that Brighton do not want to sell star midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

The Argentinian starred in his nation's World Cup success, starting six of their seven games during the tournament.

He played 115 minutes in the final against France, playing a crucial role in Argentina's second goal as he assisted Angel Di Maria.

Mac Allister also scored his only goal of the tournament in a 2-0 win over Poland in the group stage, a victory which sealed Argentina's spot on top of Group C.

His performances have led to reported major interest in the 23-year-old, with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid said to be keen on signing the Brighton star in January.

And his agent and father, Carlos Mac Allister, recently admitted to Tuttomercatoweb that he would consider bids from other clubs for the midfielder, who has netted five Premier League goals this term.

The move would represent a cheaper deal than that for the £105 million-rated Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with claims that Mac Allister may be available for around £35 million.

But a new report says this is now not the case.

Mac Allister to Liverpool reportedly off

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Brighton do not wish to sell one of their star assets in January.

It is claimed that the Seagulls are in a strong financial position, so have no need to sell. In addition, Roberto De Zerbi's side are currently in seventh position in the Premier League, and are challenging for European football next season.

But a deal could be done next summer, with the same source claiming that Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also exploring a potential move.

Speaking to reporters prior to Brighton's league clash against Arsenal, De Zerbi stated he wanted to keep Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, who has also been linked with a big money move away.

He said: "I would like to keep all our players here, and I would like to add some too.

"My hope is that Caicedo and Mac Allister will stay with us. But at the moment I only think about Arsenal. It will be very difficult."

A summer move may better suit Liverpool, with The Times reporter Paul Joyce claiming that the Reds will not do any more business in January following their £38 million move for Cody Gakpo from PSV.