Premier League boss confirms farewell appearance for Newcastle United transfer targets

With reported valuations of over £60m, Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo would be expensive options for the Magpies as they prepare for a first tilt at the Champions League in over two decades. However, both players are well known to United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who is believed to have played a part in securing their signings during his time at the Amex Stadium.

Caicedo and World Cup winner Mac Allister have enhanced their reputations by playing significant roles in helping their side qualify for European competition for the first time in their history after they ended the season sat in sixth place in the Premier League table.

However, recent comments by Di Zerbi suggest it seems unlikely either player will be part of the Italian’s squad when the new campaign gets underway as the Seagulls kick off their preparations to take on the Europa League and to build on the foundations put in place over the last season.

Speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, the Seagulls boss gave a definitive answer to a question on the future of his midfield duo, saying: “Yes, I think it can be the last game for Alexis and Moises Caicedo. I am really sorry because they are two great people and two great players but the policy of Brighton is like this. It is right that they can leave, they can play at a higher level. People believe Alexis is a fantastic player, but as a man he is better than the player.

“I’m really sorry if we lose him, if we lose Moises Caicedo, but players like this deserve to play at another level, another level in terms of competition, in terms of importance of the club, prestige of the club.”

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