Liverpool midfielder is Real Madrid's No1 transfer target

Liverpool last upgraded their midfield back in 2023 - in what was a stunning transfer campaign.

The Reds - still under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership - brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. That quartet - along with Curtis Jones - formed the midfield backbone of the 2024/25 Premier League title win.

But it looks like the time for renewal is coming again and fast. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes neglected to sign any midfielders in the summer transfer window despite £450m worth of new signings.

The Premier League champions are counting the cost of that decision - with injuries knocking down Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Endo and Jones already this season.

Moreover the form of Mac Allister when he has been in the team leaves a lot to be desired and perhaps plunges his immediate Liverpool future into doubt.

Mac Allister future in doubt

Under contract until 2028, the 26-year-old will no doubt be looking for an extension and pay rise over the next season or two. Hughes’ job is to ascertain whether or not he believes the World Cup winner to be worth it.

And - if he decides not to offer the Argentina international a new deal - then we could see the Anfield club entertain offers for their No10.

Real Madrid are known to be interested and a new report claims that they are set to make a January bid for the playmaker.

Mac Allister bid is Real Madrid's priority

"Real Madrid have a clear target for the upcoming winter transfer window: Alexis Mac Allister,” the report in Planeta Real Madrid reads.

“Real Madrid plans to make an offer in January to sign him.”

It’s not currently known whether or not Hughes and Slot consider Mac Allister as a player for sale. And given his class, experience and pedigree, it would be a surprise to see the bidding concluded at anything less than €100m.

“Real Madrid wants to finalize the signing as soon as possible, aware that the competition will be fierce,” the report continues.

“The transfer is expected in January, although it will depend on Liverpool's willingness and the financial terms.”

Liverpool's list of Mac Allister replacements

Liverpool could then make a decision to plunge those transfer proceeds into a deal for a long-term Mac Allister replacement.

There have been strong links to Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson in recent times - while there are also reports suggesting that Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi could be targeted.

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