Brighton will stave off interest in Alexis Mac Allister after he signed a long-term deal in October

Brighton‘s foresight has paid off once again after Alexis Mac Allister helped inspire Argentina to World Cup glory.

Midfielder Mac Allister, 24 on Saturday, emerged as one of the stars of Argentina’s tournament leaving Brighton braced for a fresh spike in interest.

But they have already got themselves in a position of strength regarding his future, leaving themselves well-placed to fend off any of his admirers that may arrive.

Brighton tied Mac Allister down on a new contract that runs until 2025, with a club option of a further year, in late October shortly before the season broke for the World Cup.

And that now looks like another masterstroke from the south coast club renowned for their clever recruitment of players and staff after Mac Allister’s displays in Qatar sent his reputation, and no doubt his value, soaring.

Mac Allister was left out of Argentina’s opening game against Saudi Arabia, the only game the newly-crowned champions lost during the tournament.

The 23-year-old midfielder helped his country lift a third World Cup trophy in their history

He then started the remaining six, scoring his first international goal in Argentina’s group game against Poland and playing a key role in their dramatic final triumph against France, capping his display by setting up Argentina’s second goal scored by Angel Di Maria.

Mac Allister is highly thought of back home

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber, who insisted Mac Allister will get all the time he needs to enjoy Argentina’s celebrations before returning to the club, said: ‘As we’ve always said when players do well, when their profile increases there is always going to be interest in them and this will be no different.

‘There was interest in him [Mac Allister] before the World Cup and I’m sure there will be even more interest afterwards. When any of our players do well it’s going to attract the interest of other…