Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to sign £55m Liverpool star in stunning transfer

Manchester United are weighing up a shock move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister ahead of the summer transfer window.

Bringing a new midfielder to Old Trafford is United’s priority this summer and the Red Devils have been linked with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.

Ruben Amorim was left disappointed by United’s failure to sign a new midfielder last summer and the need for reinforcements in that area of the pitch will only grow once Casemiro leaves at the end of the season.

England international Anderson is believed to be Manchester United’s No. 1 target but Nottingham Forest are expected to demand up to £100m for the 23-year-old.

Brighton’s Baleba, who was in talks with United last summer, and Crystal Palace’s Wharton are valued in the same price bracket despite mixed seasons at their current clubs.

Manchester United are also looking at other options and are weighing up a shock move for Liverpool star Mac Allister, according to the Daily Mirror.

Old Trafford bosses are said to be ‘keeping close tabs’ on Mac Allister amid speculation he could leave Anfield at the end of the season.

Signed from Brighton for £55m in 2023, Mac Allister has made over 100 appearances for the Reds and helped Arne Slot’s side win the Premier League last season.

The World Cup winner has been less effective this term, however, and is yet to contribute a goal in the Premier League.

Mac Allister is contracted to Liverpool for another season but it has been suggested that he could leave Merseyside this summer if the right opportunity presents itself.

Manchester United are aware signing a player from bitter rivals Liverpool would be difficult and simply impossible were they to miss out on the Champions League.

The Red Devils were outside of the top-four at the time of Ruben Amorim’s sacking but have climbed back into the Champions League places under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.

There are therefore several obstacles to a deal but United co-owner Ratcliffe has nevertheless registered an interest in bringing the 27-year-old to Old Trafford.

As Manchester United search the market for midfield reinforcements, club legend Jaap Stam has endorsed a move for ‘very good’ Baleba, while also naming Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong as a potential target.

‘I really like Carlos Baleba at Brighton and think he could replace Casemiro at Manchester United,’ Stam, who won the treble under Sir Alex Ferguson, told TEAMtalk.

‘I like Frenkie de Jong a lot too, but it looks as though he’ll be staying at Barcelona. Manchester United need to be looking for a replacement that has good legs and the engine to run up and down the field.

‘They also need to be very good with the ball too. Kobbie Mainoo looks to be stepping up his levels and has been performing very well.

‘Alongside him, you need a player who has quality on the ball, who can defend well, and can at times also join in the attack, get into the box and maybe score or create goals for his teammates.’

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