Alexis Mac Allister was holding back tears at full-time, fans think he was saying goodbye

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister appeared emotional after the club's final home game of the season against Manchester City – and fans think it was a final goodbye to the Amex.

The 24-year-old Argentine has been strongly linked with a move this summer, with Liverpool reportedly closing in on a deal to sign the World Cup winner, despite interest from newly-crowned Premier League champions City.

Jurgen Klopp's side have emerged as frontrunners to sign Mac Allister, who signed for Brighton in January 2019 from Argentinos Juniors on a four-and-half-year deal.

It is believed Liverpool are prepared to spend £70 million on the highly-rated midfielder.

On Wednesday afternoon, reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Liverpool are close to full agreement on personal terms with the player, waiting on final details."

And hours later, in the aftermath of Brighton's 1-1 draw against Manchester City, an emotional Mac Allister appeared to wave goodbye to those inside the Amex Stadium.

Footage of the scene was soon posted to social media, with many commenting on the gesture.

One fan said: "Looks like a goodbye from Alexis Mac Allister," while a Liverpool fan wrote: "Alexis Mac Allister holding back the tears at full time, extremely emotional. See you soon lad."

A third added: "They will find another baller in the 4th tier of the Columbian League."

Interestingly, Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi said Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo "deserve to play in another level" ahead of their clash against City.

When asked if it was their final game, he said: "It can be the last game but I don't know. They can have the possibility to change [clubs] because they deserve to play in another level.

"I don't know what Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner] can decide. But now we can offer them the possibility to play in Europe because our level is bigger now. We can offer them one possibility more."

He added: "When I work, I think for myself, I think for my club - but I think still for the players. The players have one career, one life and we can't decide for them."

Thoughts on Mac Allister's future?

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