Juventus have reportedly identified Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as a potential transfer target.
During the first half of the season, the 24-year-old enjoyed his best spell in a Brighton shirt, netting five times from 14 starts in the Premier League.
His performances were key as the Seagulls remained in the hunt for the European places before the World Cup, where Mac Allister represented Argentina.
However, he went on to emerge as one of the players of the tournament, making six starts and scoring in the final as his nation eventually beat France on penalties.
While Mac Allister is yet to return to the Amex Stadium, his future is now a daily topic for debate, and CEO Paul Barber has acknowledged that Brighton are expecting contact regarding his signature.
© Reuters
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in the versatile playmaker since the end of the World Cup.
Atletico Madrid, managed by Argentine Diego Simeone, are also said to be monitoring the situation in the event that the player wishes to move to Spain.
Nevertheless, according to La Repubblica, Juventus are likely to make their own offer for Mac Allister at some point during 2023.
Massimiliano Allegri has allegedly been left impressed by Mac Allister and would like to add him to his squad in Turin.
© Reuters
Much is likely to depend on whether Juventus are able to make any sales in January with Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie both being linked with a departure.
Brighton are reportedly prepared to consider offers in the region of £35m for Mac Allister, almost four years on from spending €8m on the then-youngster.
Mac Allister still has just over two-and-a-half years remaining on his Brighton contract, providing the Premier League club with some leeway if they wish to retain his services until at least the summer.
As a result of their 3-1 victory at Southampton on Boxing Day, Brighton sit in seventh spot in England's top flight, six points adrift of fourth-placed Spurs with a game in hand.
Darren Plant
