Sources: Real Madrid set sights on Liverpool star as Luka Modric replacement finally lined up
Real Madrid remain keen on a move to sign Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this summer after Jose Mourinho returned to the club, sources have told Football Insider.
Mac Allister struggled to reach his previous heights last season after playing an instrumental role in Liverpool's 2024-25 Premier League triumph.
The Argentine midfielder started pre-season late last year after recovering from a serious injury, and never seemed to catch up as the Reds' drop off in form coincided with his poor performances.
Interest in his services has remained ahead of the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid mooted to make a move.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Spanish giants could look to sign him in the coming months as new boss Mourinho looks to bolster his midfield options.
Mourinho officially returned to the Bernabeu earlier this week after 13 years away, and is believed to be closing in on signing Bernardo Silva following his Man City departure.
The 63-year-old has identified midfield as a key area to improve upon, with Mac Allister still on Madrid's radar.
Real Madrid plotting Alexis Mac Allister approach amid long-term interest
Mac Allister's father, Carlos, recently denied rumours of any contact with Madrid, but the Spanish giants could well accelerate a move for the 27-year-old soon.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He has been on the radar of Real Madrid for a long time, Alexis Mac Allister.
"Obviously Real Madrid still haven't really brought in a long term replacement for Toni Kroos or Luka Modric in that midfield. I'm sure Jose Mourinho will be looking to strengthen that area in the summer window.
"Mac Allister, by his own admission, I'm sure, struggled last season. He wasn't able to perform to his best for Liverpool after missing pre-season. He's under contract until 2028 and his father did admit earlier this year that there'd been no talks over a new deal."
What has been said about Mac Allister's contract?
Mac Allister's current deal at Liverpool expires in 2028, after he signed a five-year deal following his move from Brighton in 2023.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool are not planning contract talks with Mac Allister, hence why talk around his future has ramped up ahead of the summer.
His father spoke out about the situation earlier this year, saying: “Alexis has a valid contract until June 2028 and so far we are not speaking publicly with any other club. We believe that the club's fans deserve this level of respect from the player. So far, the club has not negotiated with us to renew the contract.”