Liverpool have moved a step closer to signing Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Journalist Gaston Edul claims the Reds have fought off competition from Chelsea to land the World Cup winner.

And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes personal terms are almost agreed.

However, the Blues hope that the appointment of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino could help convince his countryman to choose Stamford Bridge over Anfield.

A further stumbling block for the Merseysiders is Mac Allister's aspiration to play in next season's Champions League.

A 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa, combined with Manchester United's 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday has left Jurgen Klopp's side almost certainly consigned to Europa League action next term.

But with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all confirmed to be leaving the club this summer, Klopp is desperate to add a top-quality signing to his engine room.

For the Seagulls, boss Roberto De Zerbi is resigned to losing his star No10 this summer but Football Insider report he is desperate to keep hold of Kaoru Mitoma and Moises Caicedo.

In other news

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti would like to bring Richarlison to the Bernabeu, according to Spanish media. 

Football Insider believe Kieran Tierney is most likely to leave Arsenal for Newcastle but Manchester City and Aston Villa remain interested parties.

West Ham are willing to offload Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca to AC Milan, say Gazzetta dello Sport.