Man Utd weigh up shock raid for Liverpool’s Mac Allister

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of prising Alexis Mac Allister away from arch-rivals Liverpool this summer, according to reports. The 27-year-old Argentina World Cup winner is understood to be open to a move, and United have registered their interest as they plot a major midfield overhaul ahead of next season.

The Red Devils have yet to make a formal bid, but the mere prospect of a direct transfer between the two Premier League giants is already causing ripples across both clubs’ fan bases. Liverpool have not publicly commented on Mac Allister’s future, yet sources indicate that a sizeable offer could test their resolve to retain the influential midfielder.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have decided against cashing in on 23-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford. Instead, the Premier League champions are prepared to sanction another loan spell for the England youth international, with Leeds United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United all monitoring his situation.

Chelsea, meanwhile, expect Nicolas Jackson to return to Stamford Bridge when his loan at Bayern Munich expires. The 24-year-old Senegal forward has seen limited action in Germany, leaving the Bundesliga champions unlikely to activate the obligation-to-buy clause inserted in the deal.

Arsenal have been informed that Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish winger Nico Williams, 23, is ready to listen to offers, while Brighton have tabled a written bid for Cologne’s 19-year-old Germany Under-21 winger Said El Mala.

Napoli are attempting to ward off Premier League interest in Scott McTominay by tabling an improved contract for the 29-year-old Scotland midfielder, and Manchester United continue to track Middlesbrough’s 23-year-old English midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is also on the radar of Leeds, Tottenham and Everton.

United have denied reaching out to Jurgen Klopp’s representatives regarding the vacant managerial role, and Real Madrid lead the chase for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, with Barcelona also circling for the 26-year-old German in a potential €50 million (£43.4 million) deal.

Galatasaray are eyeing Inter Milan’s Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, 32, while Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has identified Dortmund’s Norwegian full-back Julian Ryerson, 28, as a defensive reinforcement.