Noel Whelan has backed Tottenham to complete a deal for an ‘impressive’ Argentina star who could end up a World Cup winner on Sunday.
The north London club has been heavily linked with Seagulls playmaker Alexis Mac Allister recently and his displays in Qatar have only added to the speculation.
Before heading to the World Cup, the 23-year-old had scored five goals in 14 Premier League outings for the Seagulls.
Since arriving in Qatar, Mac Allister has started five of Argentina’s six games that have seen them reach the final against France, scoring since in that time.
He is currently contracted at Brighton until 2025, having joined them for just £ 7 million in 2019.
Mac Allister’s form this season, and in Qatar, has prompted a number of clubs to show an interest in securing his signature. Chief among those suitors is Tottenham, who want to get a creative midfielder on board.
It was recently reported that Spurs are ready to tussle with Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Juventus to get their man. However, it’s thought that the player’s preference is to remain in England, where he can demand a greater salary.
And former Leeds forward Whelan can see Mac Allister in Conte’s starting XI going forward.
He told Football Insider: “There’s no doubt about it, I’ve been so impressed with him.
“He’s shown real class in that central midfield area. The energy, the quality – it’s just another great bit of business from Brighton.
“Look at the money they’ve already made with Cucurella and Bissouma – you’d have to say that Mac Allister is next.
“He could come back as a World Cup winner.
“He’s handled the Premier League pressure, he’s handled the Argentina pressure. And I can see him fitting into Antonio Conte’s style at Tottenham too.
“He’s very aggressive, gets into good areas, and comes up with goals as well. He’d be a massive plus for most Premier League sides.”
Mac Allister’s signing won’t come cheap
No price tag has been mentioned, but given the player still has more than two years left on his contract it is bound to be a significant figure.
Mac Allister may, however, be concerned at how former Seagulls standout Yves Bissouma has struggled in north London.
The outstanding midfielder has struggled for starts under Conte, who prefers the partnership of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur instead.
However, Bissouma could well get the nod when the Premier League kicks back into action on Boxing Day.
Conte’s men head to London rivals Brentford but Bentancur, who is currently injured anyway, is suspended for that game.
That leaves Conte with a straight choice between Bissouma and Oliver Skipp for the tough clash with the Bees.
