Sources: Liverpool midfield change could be a permanent one
Liverpool have not ruled out re-opening contract talks with Alexis Mac Allister but his place in the starting XI could be permanent, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old recently confessed he has been saddened by the club's decision not to offer him a new deal despite his teammates landing extensions in recent months.
No decision has been made about the midfielder's long-term situation as things stand, with his current deal set to run until 2028, and the club leaving the door open to talks.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Mac Allister must prove himself to Iraola amid doubts over last season's performances.
The Argentina international has already racked up seven appearances this season, and has won back a place in the starting XI, adding to the optimism around his long-term future.
Liverpool are planning to delay any new contract talks until closer to the end of the season, and will assess the level of Mac Allister's performances in the meantime.
Could Alexis Mac Allister land a new Liverpool contract?
Football Insider revealed on 25 September that Mac Allister is unhappy at Liverpool and feels he deserves a new contract given his key role in the squad in recent years.
That came following the club's decision to hand new deals to Dominik Szboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in recent months, leaving the Argentina international unsettled.
However, Iraola is looking for Mac Allister to step up and show he deserves a new deal as they club continue to delay talks while they assess his performances this season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He’s got two years left on his current contract as well, he says he's happy Liverpool will continue to give his all between now and then.
"Mac Allister is in control right now, if he can perform well become a key man in Andoni Iraola's side then there's every possibility that those contract talks could reopen.
"McAllister does seem like he has won the faith of Iraola as he is becoming a starter in that midfield ahead of Gravenberch as well.
"So all he can do right now is continue to impress and perform at a high level, and if he continues to do that there's every chance a new contract could be discussed.
"Liverpool have not closed the door on it, but it does seem they will wait until closer to the end of the season to see if Mac Allister can improve on last season's performances."
Which other Liverpool stars are in line for a new contract?
Mac Allister is not the only Liverpool player facing question-marks about his long-term future at the club, with contracts becoming an increasingly important topic of discussion.
Virgil van Dijk will see his deal at Anfield expire in June 2027, and unless he is offered new terms in the near future, will be allowed to leave the club for free next summer.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that, as things stand, Liverpool are preparing to let Van Dijk leave upon the expity of his deal.
Plans are alreaedy being put in place behind the scenes to identify top-class replacements for the centre-back, with a number of big names tipped for moves to Anfield.
While no decision has been made about his contract, and talks could yet take place later in the year, concerns about his age and the club's long-term plans are being considered.