Manchester United have been linked with a shock summer move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, but his family have already tried to cool the story down. The Argentine’s father, Carlos Mac Allister, says his son is focused on Liverpool and is simply waiting to hear what the club want to do next on a contract renewal.

Speaking about the speculation, Carlos said “Alexis is only thinking about Liverpool,” adding that they are “waiting for an offer to renew his contract” and will see what Liverpool’s plan is. It is not a full denial, but it is a clear attempt to keep the conversation centred on Liverpool rather than on Old Trafford.

The reason the rumour has legs is because it has been framed as part of United’s summer midfield rebuild. Reports tied to Mirror coverage say United are drawing up a shortlist, monitoring Mac Allister’s situation, and looking at several midfield options as they plan for changes, including the end of Casemiro’s deal.

Even so, the practical side of this is obvious. Liverpool selling a key player to their biggest domestic rival would be extreme, and direct transfers between the two clubs are almost non-existent in modern football. The last direct move often referenced is Phil Chisnall switching from Manchester United to Liverpool in 1964, which shows how rare this pathway is.

Contract leverage also sits with Liverpool. Multiple reports state Mac Allister is contracted until 2028, which removes any immediate pressure to sell and gives Liverpool control over timing and price if they ever decided to negotiate at all.

What keeps the topic alive is the “uncertainty” angle. Some coverage points to Mac Allister being in and out of Arne Slot’s starting XI and suggests his camp are waiting to understand whether Liverpool see him as central to the next phase, or whether there is a risk of drifting without a renewal push.

There is also the wider context that Mac Allister has previously spoken about liking Spain and wanting to play there one day, which makes a move to La Liga feel more natural than crossing the Liverpool United line. That does not rule anything out, but it does shape what is realistic if Liverpool ever considered a sale.

So the story right now reads more like monitoring and positioning than a deal in motion. United can watch, ask questions, and build a shortlist, but unless Liverpool actively open the door, the odds are still heavily against one of football’s most politically difficult transfers actually happening.