Liverpool told they ‘need’ to sign modern day Paul Scholes by Louis Saha

Manchester United hero Louis Saha has compared Liverpool target Alexis Mac Allister to Paul Scholes. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is in the hunt for the Brighton star ahead of the summer transfer window, and his latest ringing endorsement could push senior figures at Anfield even further towards pulling the trigger.

Mac Allister has been a pillar of Roberto De Zerbi’s rampant Brighton side, who are still in with a shout of securing European football for next season. Two campaigns of regular Premier League action and a World Cup win have seen the Argentine’s stock go through the roof, and Liverpool are among those poised to strike this summer.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with interest in the 24-year-old, whose asking price is reportedly set at £70million. However, Red Devils hero Saha has talked up the possibility of Mac Allister moving to Anfield, and the Frenchman even went as far as comparing him to Scholes.

“Alexis Mac Allister would be a good signing for Liverpool,” Saha told Paddy Power. “He’s a quality player and he’s very smart.

“He plays with a nice tempo and can control the rhythm of any side. He’s got the composure that every team wants. He reminds me a bit of Paul Scholes back in the day in the way he plays. In the decisive moment, he makes very clever moves.

“The only area he’s lacking compared to Paul Scholes is in his goals. I really like him and he’s definitely shown he can adapt to any team. Liverpool need a refresher in midfield so it’s a move that makes sense for both.”

“With Alexis, we sat down before the World Cup with his father, Carlos, and his agent,” Brighton CEO Paul Barber told talkSPORT last month. “That was about making sure Alexis was as settled as possible before the World Cup.

“And afterwards, we ensured he got back focussed on the Premier League – to his credit, he absolutely has done. He’s performed very, very well. What the summer brings? We don’t know. What we do know is our players will come under a lot of scrutiny and interest. We will manage that, as we always do, when and if it happens.”