Tottenham Hotspur could turn their attention to a World Cup winner during the January transfer window in a bid to provide manager Antonio Conte with attacking midfield reinforcements...

What's the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb, the Spurs manager wants to accelerate plans to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion maestro after he played an impressive role for Argentina during their recent success in Qatar.

It's thought that Conte views the Seagulls star as a perfect fit and is keen to lure him to north London ahead of domestic and European rivals.

Mac Allister is likely to cost in the region of €35m (£30.5m), with Serie A giants Juventus and the Italian's former club, Inter Milan, mentioned with interest.

A perfect Maddison alternative

Indeed, the 23-year-old dynamo was one of the real surprise packages of the World Cup this winter, taking up a role in La Albiceleste's engine room, partnering another phenomenon in Enzo Fernandez, as well as Rodrigo de Paul.

In the thrilling final against holders France, Mac Allister registered the third-best rating in Lionel Scaloni's side, behind the two goalscorers Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. His creative juices and attacking exploits were certainly on show as he registered an assist, created one key pass, had 100% successful dribbles and fired off three shots, via Sofascore.

That performance was lauded by analyst Statman Dave, who claimed he was "running the midfield", whilst journalist Sid Lowe described him as "fantastic".

The Argentine's form builds on an impressive campaign in the Premier League, where he has bagged five goals across 14 appearances, despite playing a largely defensive midfield role, as per Transfermarkt.

And whilst he's yet to register an assist, he could still be the ideal alternative to the £50m-rated James Maddison, in whom Spurs are thought to hold a long-term interest.

An average of 0.9 key passes per game in the top-flight shouldn't be ignored as he's often featured in a deeper role, which is also a reason why he'd be a better fit for Conte's system at Hotspur Way.

The 53-year-old's tactics very rarely feature a no.10 of sorts, which is where Maddison would thrive, but rather box-to-box animals that can feature in a two- or three-man midfield.

Mac Allister, who is likened to players such as Youri Tielemans, Federico Valverde and Daichi Kamada by FBref's statistical model, would therefore be the best signing that sporting director Fabio Paratici could make heading into the new year.

The Seagulls sensation - dubbed a "beast" by former Ghana international Yussif Chibsah - is surely a cheaper and more astute alternative to Maddison.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal an "unreal" signing as Spurs prepare offer for £26m "monster"...