Sources: Chelsea line up £60m Alexis Mac Allister move
Chelsea have a “concrete” interest in signing Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League giants have turned their attention to the Argentina World Cup winner as they look to bring in a top-class central midfielder.
Graham Potter managed Mac Allister at Brighton and is keen to be reunited with him in Stamford Bridge.
It is believed that Chelsea will have to spend £60million to lure the midfielder from the Seagulls in the January window.
Chelsea are also keen on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez but believe a deal could prove too prohibitive in January.
Fernandez reportedly has a €120million (£106.4million) release clause in his contract with the Portuguese giants - who are holding out for the full amount.
Potter wants more dynamism in the Chelsea midfield, which has proved lacking so far this season.
Chelsea are in advanced talks to extend N’Golo Kante’s contract before he becomes a free agent in the summer but the Frenchman has not played since suffering a torn hamstring in August.
Jorginho is also out of contract in the summer and he is not close to extending it after being offered to other clubs this month.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (28 December) that the 31-year-old was offered to Newcastle but they have declined to sign him as he is too old for their project.
Mac Allister grabbed a goal and an assist in six games at the World Cup and has already notched five strikes in 14 Premier League outings for Brighton this term.
The versatile star can play in central and attacking midfield - as well as on both flanks.
Brighton and Mac Allister sit seventh in the Premier League, while Chelsea sit eighth - behind the Seagulls on goal difference.