Tottenham Hotspur 'among clubs considering Alexis Mac Allister bid'

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine start to the season under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, coming up with five goals in 14 Premier League appearances.

Mac Allister's domestic form earned him a place in Argentina's World Cup squad, and he has forced his way into the Albiceleste's starting XI under Lionel Scaloni.

The former Argentinos Juniors starlet scored one goal in the group stage in a 2-0 win over Poland, and he played the full 120 minutes in their quarter-final victory over the Netherlands.

Mac Allister only signed a contract extension at the Amex Stadium back in October, and his current terms are due to run until 2025 with the option of a further year.

However, Champions League-level clubs are believed to have been alerted to his performances in Qatar, and Fichajes claims that Tottenham are keeping a close eye on his development.

Antonio Conte is said to be after a new creative outlet in the middle of the park during the January window after witnessing his side struggle to fashion chances in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski through injury.

The report adds that managing director Fabio Paratici is ready to give the green light to a deal after watching Mac Allister in action during the World Cup, but Spurs are not alone in their pursuit.

Inter Milan are said to be leading the race as they seek a potential replacement for Marcelo Brozovic, while Atletico Madrid and Juventus have also been credited with an interest.

Mac Allister originally joined Brighton for just €8m (£6.9m) from Argentinos Juniors in January 2019, and he had a brief loan spell at Boca Juniors during the first half of the 2019-20 season.

Since establishing himself as a regular first-team player for Brighton, Mac Allister has made 86 appearances for the Seagulls in all tournaments, scoring 13 goals and setting up six more.

The midfielder has not missed a single minute of Premier League action this term, and his efforts have helped De Zerbi's side rise to seventh in the Premier League table after 14 games this season.

Argentina face 2018 runners-up Croatia in their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, and Mac Allister will be expected to start as the Copa America winners battle to face either Morocco or France in the final.

Tottenham boss Conte is expected to be backed with funds in the winter transfer market, as Daniel Levy is determined to agree a new contract with the Italian before the end of the season.

Talks over fresh terms reportedly resumed on Monday with Conte, who is also keen to bring a new centre-back, right-wing back and striker to the club in the January window.