By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

5th Jun, 2023 | 11:06am

Sources: Liverpool to complete Mac Allister signing this week after breakthrough

Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this week, sources have told Football Insider.

The Reds will trigger a release clause in the Argentine’s contract after making progress in discussions over personal terms.

And it is expected that he will become the first arrival of a planned summer overhaul of Jurgen Klopp’s engine room.

Liverpool remain keen to add other players in that area, and will be guided by fees and availability as they work through a shortlist in the coming weeks.

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Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and Nice’s Khephren Thuram are understood to feature, with contact having already been made with the representatives of both players.

Ryan Gravenberch is another potential option should Bayern Munich show a willingness to allow him to leave this summer.

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The Reds had also previously hoped to strike a deal with Chelsea for Mason Mount, who is one year away from the expiry of his contract.

But, while sources close to the player continue to insist no decision has been made over his future, Manchester United appear to be the current frontrunners.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia could also be chased, though there is likely to be stiff competition for his signature with Chelsea and Manchester City both understood to be keen.

Either way, Mac Allister represents a strong start to Liverpool’s plans to fix their midfield after a disappointed 2022-23 campaign ended without a trophy or Champions League qualification.

The 24-year-old, who played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar last year, has emerged as a standout performer for Brighton across the 112 appearances he has made following a move to the club in January of 2019.

He helped the Seagulls qualify for European competition for the first time in their history this season courtesy of a sixth-placed Premier League finish.

In other news, Liverpool are braced for a second bid for one of their young stars.