"Insiders suggest..." - Journalist claims Man Utd have held talks over signing £60m Premier League star

Manchester United have held talks over signing Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to reports.

The Red Devils are in need of new recruits this summer following a mixed campaign under Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman delivered United's first piece of silverware in over five years after beating Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.

However, just a week later they were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool, who have hardly been the unstoppable force they were last season.

The humiliating defeat was a stark reminder that United still have a way to go, and the transfer window can't come soon enough for Ten Hag.

In the midst of the chaos, Seagulls midfielder Mac Allister has emerged as a possible addition this summer

Mac Allister to Man Utd?

Respected journalist Ben Jacobs reports that United have 'held internal discussions' over a potential summer move for Mac Allister.

The 24-year-old has impressed on the south coast this season, scoring and assisting in his side's 4-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.

He also caught the eye at the World Cup in Qatar, helping Argentina lift the trophy and adding to his price tag.

Mac Allister is out of contract in June 2025, though the club do have an option to extend his deal by a further year.

Jacobs revealed that United would have to pay a reported £60million to land the midfielder.

He told Caught Offside: “Although Brighton don’t directly offer quotes to suitors for players they don’t plan to sell, insiders suggest £60m+ is what the Seagulls may expect.

"That’s quite a lot more than the numbers suitors have him valued at dating back to both January and before the World Cup, with valuations ranging from £27-35m. I think that type of bid now would get laughed out the room."

Brighton have become notoriously tough negotiators in recent times, refusing to sell Caicedo to Arsenal in January.

However, Jacobs predicts that Brighton's asking price could come down as time goes on.

“But as the World Cup hype wears off, and his contract runs down slightly, let’s see how Brighton react to incoming bids," Jacobs continued.

"Mac Allister, at this point I am told, will assess his options come summer.

"Although he speaks glowingly about the Premier League, he is not against going to another European league. His priority is playing Champions League football regularly.”

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all also said to be keeping tabs on the midfielder, while Manchester City have also discussed him as an option, reports Jacobs.

Topics: Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton And Hove Albion, Manchester United, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno