Former Liverpool midfielder Glen Johnson feels the Reds should prioritize a deal for Chelsea’s Mason Mount above a move for Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
Anfield is likely to undergo a midfield makeover during the upcoming transfer window, with a slew of notable players connected to the club.
Mount and Mac Allister are thought to be on Liverpool’s radar, as are Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, though the latter appears to be on his way to Real Madrid.
In a straight decision between Chelsea and Brighton, Johnson believes the World Cup winner would struggle to break into the team, while the Englishman would be more ready for Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Mount’s contract with Chelsea expires in 2024, so if a new agreement is not reached, the club may attempt to offload the England international in the summer.
Much will, however, depend on the identity of the new permanent manager at Stamford Bridge and their desire to keep hold of the 24-year-old.
Mauricio Pochettino is the favorite for the job and is said to be a huge fan of Mount, so a stay in west London would become much more likely if the Argentine got the job.
‘Even if it sounds ridiculous, £70 million for a good player nowadays isn’t that expensive, is it?’ Johnson told Betfred.
‘Alexis is a good player, but if you’re going to invest £70 million, I’d rather it go to Mason Mount.
‘Mason would have suited the team better, he would have got into the starting eleven, and I don’t believe Alexis can command a starting position in Liverpool’s team immediately.
‘He’d be a good squad player, but I’d rather they signed Mason Mount.’