Alexis Mac Allister's dad makes feelings clear on Real Madrid's interest in Liverpool ace

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Alexis Mac Allister's dad says that they must respect Liverpool but admitted it is 'nice' to see links with the biggest clubs in the world , following speculation over interest from Real Madrid . Carlos Mac Allister has spoken out ahead of the Reds' clash with the Spanish giants on Tuesday but insists there was no contact with the La Liga side following reports of interest.

The Argentine was the subject of transfer speculation last season and during the summer transfer window as it was claimed that Xabi Alonso's team had identified him as their next major signing. Mac Allister shone for the Reds during their encounter with Los Blancos last season, which they won 2-0, as he broke the deadlock at Anfield before Cody Gakpo sealed the League Phase clash late on.

Whilst the 26-year-old's father acknowledged it is an honour to see his son linked with the record Champions League winners, he stressed that they must show respect to Liverpool . "I read the rumours, but that's all they were," he said, addressing the transfer rumours in an interview with AS.

"There was no contact. In any case, it's always nice when my son is linked with the biggest clubs in the world. Real Madrid is a very big club, but so is Liverpool, and we must be responsible and respect the institution he belongs to and that believed in him.

"I have to be prudent. He plays for Liverpool now. In the future, if the opportunity arises and it's appropriate, he'll have to make his own decisions.

"That's what I've raised them to be. I have the freedom to give them my opinion, and they have the obligation to do what they think is best."

The midfielder still has three years left to run on his existing contract with Liverpool, whilst his midfield colleagues Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have been tipped for new deals at Anfield. Mac Allister has emerged as a crucial player in the Reds' engine room and displayed signs of rediscovering his peak form during Saturday's 2-0 triumph against Aston Villa .

Mac Allister has battled fitness issues and worked his way back to full sharpness, which affected his input towards the close of their Premier League title-winning season and disrupted his pre-season build-up for their championship defence. Despite speculation linking him with Real, Mac Allister has previously pledged his loyalty to Arne Slot's side.

He earlier revealed to TyC Sports ' Gaston Edul: "I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they'll lose interest.

"I'm fine at Liverpool and I don't have any need. So, I have a lot of respect for the club, and I don't think it's necessary to talk about other clubs."