The truth behind Manchester United's interest in Liverpool's £85 million star revealed! Sir Jim challenges transfer taboos with a clever twist.

Manchester United intends to bring in a new midfielder during this summer's transfer window, with several candidates on their radar, including surprisingly Alexis McAllister from their archrivals Liverpool! The British Daily Mirror reports that United has drawn up a list of prospective midfield signings for this summer, with McAllister clearly included. He is regarded as one of the top midfielders currently, having earned Premier League and 2022 Qatar World Cup titles.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos management team is closely monitoring McAllister's future, as rumors suggest the 27-year-old Argentine international might leave Liverpool after this season. Although his contract runs until 2028, he has faced setbacks this season and is seeking a change of environment.

McAllister had contact with Manchester United while still playing for Brighton, but Liverpool ultimately signed him in the summer 2023 window for £35 million, with add-ons potentially reaching £55 million. Now, the Red Devils want to poach a player from their rivals, which is an extremely difficult task. Historically, only two players have ever played for both Manchester United and Liverpool in the Premier League.

One is Paul Ince, who after transferring from Manchester United to Inter Milan, later returned to England and joined Liverpool, even scoring in the "North West Derby"; the other is Michael Owen, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid, then moved through Newcastle United before joining Manchester United wearing the No.7 shirt and winning his first Premier League title.

The last player to transfer directly between Manchester United and Liverpool was Phil Chisnall in 1964, moving from United to Liverpool. Since then, no player has made a direct switch between the two clubs. Another Argentine, Heinze, once tried to break this taboo; after Patrick Evra replaced him as a starter, Heinze agreed to join Liverpool, but Manchester United firmly opposed the move and vetoed the deal, forcing the Argentine defender to join Real Madrid instead.

Currently, it remains uncertain whether McAllister will leave Liverpool. However, it is unlikely he would choose Old Trafford, as it would be an extremely difficult challenge, likely provoking the wrath of Liverpool fans and affecting his daily life. McAllister has expressed his desire to play in Spain at some point in his career.

Nonetheless, British media report that United’s owner Sir Jim wants to broaden the options. If McAllister decides to transfer, he will compete to showcase his abilities and turn the impossible into possible! Of course, it is too early to say United will sign McAllister; he is just one option on the list, and the club has yet to make a final decision on who to bring in.

In fact, any decision now is premature because United must first secure Champions League qualification, which affects the players they can attract. Without Champions League football, signing McAllister or the previously rumored Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali would be purely wishful thinking. Not only might players refuse, but the club’s budget might also fall short. According to Germany’s Transfermarkt, McAllister is currently valued at €85 million.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained: "Many have asked whether McAllister could move from Liverpool to Manchester United this summer. At present, I have not heard any concrete or strong evidence indicating contact between United and McAllister."

Regarding United’s recruitment plans, Romano said: "United will focus on the midfield position and may sign one or two new players. This could be very interesting, but before deciding on targets, two issues must be clarified: first, whether United will participate in the Champions League next season, which affects the budget; second, who will be the head coach, whether Carrick or another candidate."

Speaking about United’s potential midfield targets, Romano stated: "The list includes Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Tonali, among others. Baleba was a priority under Amrabat’s management. However, United has not yet engaged in any negotiations with McAllister. Patience is key before making any decisions."

Romano predicts that rumors linking United with midfielders will intensify, especially after Casemiro’s departure at the end of this season. Therefore, Red Devils fans need not take these stories too seriously, as most are mere speculation. Of course, at this moment, there is a strategic advantage in this: it disrupts Liverpool’s morale. Slot’s team is one of the main competitors led by Carrick for a top-four finish, with United currently only three points ahead.