Alexis Mac Allister is Albion's new man at No.10 - at least in terms of shirt number.

But that might not be the role he plays in the Premier League.

The Argentina international left Buenos Aires yesterday knowing he has been handed the number revered in his homeland since the days of Diego Maradona.

It was left vacant for the Seagulls when Florin Andone joined Galatasaray on loan early in the campaign.

Mac Allister has worn ten for Argentinos Juniors and Argentina under-23s.

He was No.8 with Boca Juniors, where Carlos Tevez had the No.10 shirt.

Mac Allister is joining up with Albion during the current break in fixtures after helping Argentina reach the Olympics.

Head coach Graham Potter said: “He can play quite a few (roles) – off the side, as a ten.

“It is important we get him here, work with him and help him settle.

“It’s a different continent, another country and then we’ll see.

“We are looking forward to meeting him. I think his English is good.”

Mac Allister has been used wide on the left cutting inside by Boca although new boss Miguel Angel Russo had revealed plans to play him in behind a centre-forward had he not linked up with Albion.

He was followed by television crews as he prepared to depart Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires having said farewells at Boca.

Mac Allister said: “I’ve spoken to my team mates and I have thanked them for the respect and companionship that was always there within the group.”