Manchester United have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Mason Mount as the midfielder edges closer to leaving Chelsea.
Mount, who has been a player on Liverpool's shortlist ahead of a much-anticipated midfielder overhaul this summer, appears to be closing in on a move to Old Trafford after the player's representatives are claimed to have held discussions with the Red Devils ahead of a potential transfer this summer.
According to numerous reports in the national press on Wednesday night, the England international wants to leave west London after failing to agree on fresh terms at Chelsea, though no fee has been agreed between the clubs with Mount the subject of heavy interest as his contract enters the final 12 months.
READ MORE: Fabinho has just sent the perfect message to Liverpool transfer targets
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target has already admitted desire to emulate Steven Gerrard
After halting their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham earlier this year in favour of a more rounded approach to restructuring their engine room, Liverpool appeared to be one of the leading contenders to sign Mount this summer as speculation over a move to Anfield intensified in the final weeks of the season.
However, it appears the lure of Champions League football could be enough to persuade Mount to make the move to Manchester United this summer while those at Anfield look to seal a move for Mac Allister, who remains the priority.
Any pursuit for the Argentina international is likely to be rivalled by Manchester City, who, as per reports in the national press last month, hold an interest in the midfielder and has been touted as a replacement for the long-serving Ilkay Gundogan. The German veteran is out of contract at the Etihad this summer and is yet to pen an extension ahead of the club's final two games of the season.
After helping Brighton secure European football for the first time in their history last month, manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted he was open to the prospect of losing Mac Allister and team-mate Moises Caicedo this summer after insisting they deserve to play at "another level".
"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.
"Now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. 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."
READ NEXT
Nice have already shared Khephren Thuram transfer verdict amid Liverpool links
Mac Allister priority, Kone 'poker game' - Liverpool targets line up as Jorg Schmadtke gets busy
Julian Ward can't answer £196m Liverpool question as Anfield legacy emerges
Manu Kone has already delivered verdict on future amid new Liverpool transfer 'interest'
Join the Liverpool ECHO's LFC transfer news and top stories WhatsApp community