Man City manager Pep Guardiola is now believed to have personally spoke with Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister over joining the club.

The Lowdown: City linked...

The Premier League champions have been linked to signing Mac Allister in recent months with some reports even suggesting that they're the overwhelming favourites.

Roberto De Zerbi's star has been heavily courted by many top flight clubs, according to some claims, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle apparently interested.

Mac Allister is also thought to be eyeing an exit from Brighton amid this serious interest from top flight rivals, coming after his brilliant individual 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.

The midfielder ended up playing a starring role for Argentina under Lionel Scaloni, perhaps raising his profile whilst turning Guardiola's head.

The Latest: Guardiola contacts Mac Allister...

According to TNT Sports journalist Ariel Helueni, via news aggregation site All About Argentina on Twitter, Mac Allister is now a real transfer target for City.

It is believed that the 24-year-old has attracted real attention from the Blues with Guardiola even personally holding talks with him.

Helueni said:

“Pep Guardiola had talks with Alexis Mac Allister and he is a serious option for Manchester City in the next summer window.”

The Verdict: Phenomenal player...

In recent weeks, it has been claimed that Guardiola wants to add more goal-scoring midfield players behind his usual front three of Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden/Riyad Mahrez.

Mac Allister, who is currently Brighton's joint-top scorer in the English top flight with seven in 21 starts, appears to fit the mould.

Indeed, the attacker is a consistent threat and has even managed more attempts at goal per 90 than any player in De Zerbi's current squad (WhoScored).

In terms of overall performance, only in-form teammates Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma have averaged a higher match rating per game than Mac Allister (WhoScored).

The Argentine has also been endorsed by reporters who cover the Seagulls week in, week out, with reporter Ryan Adsett calling him 'world class'.

However, it is believed that Brighton understandably won't let him go for cheap as Football Insider reported earlier this month.

The price tag for Mac Allister apparently stands at around £70 million with City now left to weigh up their options and decide if that valuation is worth the punt.

The champions have an array of star attacking talent at their disposal and it's important to remember that a centre-back is also high on their agenda.