Chelsea 'set sights' on Alexis Mac Allister after Liverpool contract twist

Chelsea have set their sights on a move to sign Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister amid doubts about his long-term future.

The 27-year-old has recently confessed his disappointment at not being offered a new deal at Anfield, sparking interest from a number of clubs in luring him away.

While he still has two years remaining on his current contract and the Reds are under no pressure to sell, his situation has set interested parties on alert ahead of the transfer window.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea are among the clubs who have been alerted to Mac Allister's potential availability.

Xabi Alonso is determined to strengthen his midfield in January after failing to replace Enzo Fernandez when he made the big-money move to Man City on deadline day.

Mac Allister is likely to be high on Chelsea's radar as a result, with his potential availability and frustration at Anfield likely placing them on high alert.

Will Liverpool hand Alexis Mac Allister a new contract?

Football Insider revealed on 27 September that Mac Allister could still be offered a new contract at Liverpool if he continues to perform to a high level this season.

However, the ongoing delays over a decision have opened the door to his potential departure, and Chelsea are among those clubs who could look to take advantage.

A January move cannot be ruled out, with the Blues stepping up their efforts to strengthen in midfield and Mac Allister held in high regard by the club's hierarchy.

"Alexis Mac Allister is always spoken about very highly at Liverpool and elsewhere," Brown told Football Insider.

"He might not be the type of player who is in the starting XI every week without fail, he can go through poor spells, but he is somebody who you'd want in your squad.

"From a Liverpool point of view, if they're not going to offer him a new contract and he's coming out and speaking about that, they might think it's best to move him on.

"So when you look at what clubs might be interested, Chelsea are certainly high on that list, and he would be a good fit for them.

"They need a new midfielder, they lost Enzo Fernandez, and Mac Allister ticks a lot of boxes for them because he has got that bite and aggression to his game.

"Plus, he's got plenty of experience in the Premier League which will be important especially mid-way through the season, so it's definitely something I can see happening."

How does Mac Allister feel about leaving Liverpool?

Speculation surrounding Mac Allister's long-term future at Liverpool has emerged as they have not yet offered him a new contract, leading to his growing frustrations.

The 27-year-old has eorked his way back into Andoni Iraola's side with impressive displays in recent weeks, having started three of their five Premier League games this season.

However, Football Insider revealed on 25 September that Mac Allister is unhappy at the situation and could look to move on if he believes no new offer is forthcoming.

With no new contract on the horizon, those plans may well still be in place behind the scenes, although there was little movement in his position during the summer window.

This comes after his midfield partners Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch signed new contracts earlier this year, sparking calls for his deal to be renewed.