Brighton chief executive Paul Barber says the club have not been approached about moving Alexis McAllister, Moises Caicedo or any of their other key players in the January transfer window.
Attacking midfielder McAllister enjoyed a strong first half of the season for Brighton, before playing a big role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
Despite signing a new contract in October, the 24-year-old’s continued form has attracted the attention of Juventus and Atletico Madrid, while Caicedo was wanted by Manchester United when he was playing in his native Ecuador and his They have also been related. Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
McAllister’s father and agent recently suggested they were making inquiries with clubs, although he did not name who. However, at the same time, he insisted that his son is happy with Brighton and is grateful for the opportunities he has been given.
90 Minutes understands Brighton want a fee in excess of £50m.
Moises Caicedo continues to impress for Brighton/Warren Little/Getty Images.
“We haven’t made an offer to anyone and don’t have plans to,” Barber told The Argus. “In an ideal world our squad, which is as good as it has been for a long time, would be intact throughout January and we would go into the second half of the season as we are.
“The next 30 days are unpredictable and we will deal with whatever comes. But we are not making offers to anyone.”
Of the possible outlook, he added, “No — and we don’t want any. We’re very happy as we are, certainly as long as we can. But we’re also realistic.”
Barber acknowledged the possibility of interest in McAllister, Caicedo and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but called it ‘normal’ and actually welcomed it because of what it meant about the quality of players at the Amex Stadium.
“We cannot be surprised when there is interest and at some point we have to accept that these players will play at a higher level than us,” he explained.