World Cup winner Alex Mac Allister wants to leave Brighton for Juventus, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
And the deal could be done this January if the Italian giant are able to raise the money by selling American midfielder Weston McKennie to the Premier League.
Mac Allister, 24, emerged as a star in Qatar and has impressed clubs all over Europe. Among his admirers is Juventus coach Max Allegri who wants a new “modern” midfielder. The Turin club is already planning for France’s Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract in the summer, to leave on a free transfer even though they are still in negotiations.
Mac Allister could replace him in the summer - or Juventus would be willing to play up to €50m (£44m) immediately if McKennie is moved on.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mac Allister has already spoken to his father Carlos - a former team-mate of Diego Maradona - about the move to Serie A.
There have been no formal approaches to Brighton and Albion are in a strong negotiating position after the Argentine agreed a contract extension until 2025 with the option for an additional year to protect their prize asset. But Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, speaking just after the World Cup, was realistic about fighting off interest in his best players.
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“It is fantastic news for us because we are Brighton and there are other teams, other big teams want our players,” he said. But we are ready to find other players because maybe not in Jan or not next summer but in the future, Mac Allister, Mosies Caicedo, Leandro Trossard, Mitoma, they are able to change level and play in the Champions League and other competitions.”
Newcastle ready to step in to steal Jorginho
Jorginho wants to return to Napoli next season but his wage demands could scupper the deal - and Newcastle could step in.
The Brazilian-born Italian is out of contract in the summer after five years at Stamford Bridge. La Repubblica claims his first choice is to return to Napoli, who currently top Serie A, but his €6m a year wages are too expensive. The Italian paper claims Newcastle, Barcelona and Juventus would also be interested in his free transfer.
Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos told TMW: “His contract iis expiring on June 30, we have a renewal offer and we’ll give priority to Chelsea. Naples represented our home in Italy, (Napoli sporting director Cristiano) Giuntoli really appreciates the player, for us it’s a special place.
“If there was a new interest we’d be happy, however, at the moment Napoli has not had any contact with us.”
Olivier Giroud to be rewarded with bumper new contract
Olivier Giroud, now 36, to be rewarded for his World Cup performances with a contract extension at Milan till June 2024.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker, who has scored nine goals in 19 games this season, would have been out of contract at the end of this season. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 12-month extension will be worth the same as his current deal at €3.2m (£2.8m) a year.
