Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Fabio Paratici gives ‘green light’ for Tottenham to move for playmaker set for centre stage in World Cup final

Alexis Mac Allister Argentina v Poland

Fabio Paratici has reportedly given the ‘green light’ for Tottenham to make a concerted effort to sign Brighton playmaker Alex Mac Allister in the January transfer window.

Spurs have cropped up recently as major suitors to sign the Argentina international, who looks certain to start the World Cup final against France on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has proved to be an outstanding addition to the Argentina team. He actually came into the side after their shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia.

Mac Allister has built on his impressive form with the Seagulls this season. Indeed, the south coast club are currently punching well above their weight as they sit seventh in the Premier League.

The creative midfielder has scored five goals in 14 games for Brighton. However, it’s his influence in the final third that makes him an attractive proposition – especially for Antonio Conte, who does not really have an out-and-out No.10 at his disposal.

Dejan Kulusevski can play in that role, but Conte prefers the Swede out wide. Harry Kane often drops into that position to impact the game more, but remains better as a No.9.

But The Sun claims that Tottenham will have it all their own way in their chase for Mac Allister.

Chelsea, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also said to be on the trail of the Brighton man. Indeed, Graham Potter’s links to his old club appears to make a move to Stamford Bridge more likely.

Paratici likes what he sees from Brighton man

However, the report adds that sporting director Paratici is said to have been impressed by what he has seen from the midfielder in Qatar and has ‘given the green light’ after Conte ‘registered interest’ in MacAllister.

The trickiest part will be convincing Brighton to sell, especially given that other clubs are also chasing Leandro Trossard.

Mac Allister is currently under contract until 2025. In that regard, the Seagulls are not in a position where they have to sell. But if they choose to, they are also in a very strong position to set a hefty price tag.

The Brighton man is not the only attacking midfielder on Paratici and Conte’s radar though.

Tottenham continue to be linked with the likes of James Maddison, Weston McKennie, Leandro Paredes and Ruslan Malinovskyi.

One thing is for sure, Spurs are expected to be very active in January as Conte looks to continue the club’s push for a top-four spot.

The north London club are back in domestic action on Boxing Day when they head to Brentford.

READ MORE: Tottenham ready to blow rivals away with bumper contract offer to France star excelling at World Cup