Chelsea have identified Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister as an alternative to Enzo Fernández if a deal for the Benfica midfielder proves too costly during January, according to The Guardian.

Mac Allister and Fernandez were both part of the Argentina team that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with both players playing key roles in midfield for Argentina.

Fernandez was named Best Young Player of the World and Chelsea are already in talks with Benfica over a transfer for the 21 year old midfielder.

However, Benfica are reluctant to lose Fernandez during the January transfer window and are demanding Chelsea pay his £106million release clause.

Chelsea are reportedly reluctant to trigger Fernández’s release clause and are hopeful of convincing Benfica to relent on their stance with the midfielder also keen on joining Chelsea in January.

Should a deal for Fernandez in January prove to be too expensive for the Blues, the Guardian claim Chelsea will move for Brighton midfielder Mac Allister.

It is believed a deal for Mac Allister could be more affordable than Fernández, although the 24-year-old recently extended his contract at Brighton until 2025.

Should Chelsea fail to sign Fernandez in January, the Blues could submit another bid for the 21 year old midfielder next summer.