Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Alexis Mac Allister by holding talks with the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder's representatives over a summer move.
The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for the Seagulls during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.
Mac Allister also played an important role in Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup, featuring on six occasions at the competition, providing an assist in the final against France.
The midfielder has another two years left to run on his current deal, with the option of a further 12 months, but he is widely expected to leave Brighton in the upcoming market.
Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all said to be keen on Mac Allister, and Brighton CEO Paul Barber has refused to rule out a summer move for the World Cup winner.
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The Argentine's father has also said that his son is likely to leave the Seagulls in the upcoming market, with his asking price believed to be in the region of £60m.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man United have held talks with Mac Allister's camp in the hope of winning the race to sign him during the summer market.
The Argentine has scored eight goals and registered one assist in 26 Premier League appearances this season, while he netted two goals and one assist in five FA Cup outings, with Brighton losing to Man United in the semi-finals of the competition on Sunday.
Mac Allister made the move to his current side from Argentinos Juniors in 2019, and he has now featured on 103 occasions for the English club, scoring 18 goals and registering eight assists in the process.
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Man United boosted their midfield with the acquisitions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last summer, and both players have been important for the club this season.
However, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to sign at least one more midfielder in the upcoming market, with Scott McTominay potentially being sold ahead of next season.
Man United have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and West Ham United's Declan Rice, but both players are expected to cost in excess of £100m.
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is likely to again resist a summer move away from Barcelona despite claims that the Red Devils could reignite their interest in the Dutchman.
Man United's main priority at the end of the season will be to sign a new centre-forward, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane remaining the club's leading target.
Matt Law
