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Brighton and Hove Albion star Alexis Mac Allister ‘wants Juventus’, who are keen on the Argentina international following his performances at the World Cup.

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who say Mac Allister has ‘bewitched’ Maximiliano Allegri, who is now pushing to sign him from Brighton.

And there is good news for the Italian coach too as Mac Allister is keen on the move and has ‘let it be known’ that the interest from Juventus is ‘reciprocated’.

He considers Juventus as an “extraordinary” team and when an offer capable of satisfying Brighton arrives, they would be a ‘more than welcome destination’ for him.

That yes is seen as the ‘first step’ to a possible transfer, with those in charge at Juventus now working out how to get it over the line.

A deal in the January transfer window would be difficult without an important exit at the same time, and the prime candidate would be Weston McKennie, who is liked by several English clubs.

That exit would bring a ‘treasure trove’ to Juventus, which would allow them to move to bolster their midfield, which also looks likely to be weakened by the departure of Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer in the summer.

The Serie A side were already planning for that, and Mac Allister’s name has ‘jumped to the top’ of the list of options they are looking at.

It’s believed negotiations with Brighton will not be easier than with any other club, though, with the Seagulls known to hold out for big sums when key players are departing. Marc Cucurella’s move to Chelsea last summer being the prime example.

In fact, they ‘have every interest’ in ‘unleashing an auction’ for Mac Allister, especially after his exploits in Qatar. As of yet, though, no offer has arrived but that could change quickly.

Juventus have the advantage of the player being keen on the transfer, which is ‘not a little thing’ when it comes to transfer negotiations.

Mac Allister is said to have spoken about Juventus with his ‘closest people’, including with his father, who was a teammate of Maradona’s and takes care of the families’ interests. It is he who will handle negotiations between the parties should Juventus make their move.

Their interest is also boosted by the fact Mac Allister has a ‘community passport’ as his mum Silvina has ‘Italian roots’ after her ancestors emigrated.

That’s an added bonus for the Serie A giants.

They now need to present a bid to Brighton either next month or in the summer but know that whenever they do Mac Allister is keen on the transfer and ready to ‘make the leap’ from Brighton.