Liverpool's prospects of landing Brighton and Hove Albion phenomenon Alexis Mac Allister have been handed a significant boost with manager Roberto De Zerbi insisting he would bear no grudge if the midfielder decided to leave the Amex this summer.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been one of the standout performers on the South Coast this campaign and has helped the Seagulls secure a place in next season's Europa Conference League, with De Zerbi's side having secured a top-seven finish with two games of the Premier League season remaining.
Such form has led to Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City showing firm interest in the 2022 World Cup winner, with the Reds citing the Argentine as a primary target ahead of an extensive midfield overhaul this summer.
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After making the decision to abandon their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham due to the eye-watering finances any deal would require, Anfield officials have instead prioritised the arrival of at least two midfielders this summer.
Chelsea's Mason Mount and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch are two players who are currently under consideration on Merseyside, while Mac Allister is believed to be a top target.
And Liverpool's chances of prising the midfielder away from the South Coast this summer appear to have been handed a major boost with De Zerbi admitting Mac Allister and team-mate Moises Caicedo deserve to be playing at "another level" after their performances in the Premier League this season.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Wednesday's game against Manchester City, the Italian provided an authentic response when asked about the Seagulls' prospect of losing two of their star performers during the off-season.
"They can have the possibility to change [clubs] because they deserve to play in another level," said De Zerbi. "I don't know what Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner] can decide,"
However, the Italian is hopeful Brighton's first European campaign could be enough to entice the duo to stay put at the Amex.
"Now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now," added De Zerbi. "We can offer them one possibility more.
"When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club - but I think still for the players. The players have one career, one life and we can't decide for them."
As reported by the ECHO on Monday, however, Anfield sources have distanced themselves from reports claiming Liverpool have already agreed on personal terms with Mac Allister and his camp.
Meanwhile, the Reds' summer transfer business is set to be assisted by Jorg Schmadtke, with the 59-year-old close to being named as the short-term replacement for the outgoing sporting director Julian Ward. The ECHO understands the German will fly to the region this week to iron out the finer details of his contract before beginning work at the start of June.
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