Manchester City have reportedly identified Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister as an ideal replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.
Gundogan has now entered the final six months of his contract with the Premier League champions and is free to enter discussions with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement.
Should the Germany international fail to pen fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium in the coming months, Pep Guardiola will wave goodbye to the midfielder on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Man City are believed to have opened talks with Gundogan over an extension, but Barcelona and clubs in Turkey are said to be keeping a close eye on developments.
According to Fichajes, Man City could make an approach for Mac Allister if Gundogan does choose to advance his career elsewhere, but they are sure to face stiff competition for his services.
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The report states that "everything indicates" that Gundogan will leave the club when his contract expires in June, forcing the Premier League champions to dip into their war chest.
City manager Guardiola is said to be a keen admirer of Mac Allister, who shone for Argentina during their run to World Cup glory in Qatar last year.
The 24-year-old is under contract with the Seagulls until the summer of 2025, although Brighton do possess a one-year option to extend until 2026.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal were all tipped to do battle for Mac Allister in January following his successful World Cup exploits, but the midfielder has affirmed that he is in no rush to leave Brighton.
"I feel really good with this club and my teammates, and everyone who works here," Mac Allister told BBC Radio Sussex last month.
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"I try not to read too much. I always say I am really happy here and I don't have any rush to leave. I am focused on the next game with this club."
Mac Allister has seven goals to show from 19 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net five times in 17 Premier League outings.
The former Argentinos Jrs youngster has totalled 15 goals and six assists in 91 games for Brighton since arriving in January 2019, and he started all seven games for Argentina at the Qatar World Cup.
Meanwhile, Gundogan has two goals and two assists from 28 outings in the current season, as Man City lie five points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, having played a game more than the Gunners.
Ben Knapton
