FC Köln are pushing to sell Said El Mala to a Premier League club this summer as the German side look to raise funds.
El Mala has had an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga with 10 goals in 13 league starts for Köln this season.
The 19-year-old’s performances have led to interest from England and Köln are open to his sale. The Bundesliga side have not set an asking price for the winger but expect to receive more than €40m (£34.8m).
Sky Germany are reporting that Brighton are ‘seriously interested’ in the player but are not prepared to meet that asking price.
Further talks are being held with other Premier League teams, with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Brentford among those credited as suitors.
El Mala opened up on his exciting emergence to the Bundesliga last year and said he thrives off being a ‘street footballer’.
“My playing style? I think everybody knows that I am a street footballer. I receive the ball and start dribbling.
“It’s fun. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the ball before I receive it, I just freestyle. It usually works well because the opposition cannot prepare for what is going to happen.
“I am trying to become a bit more varied and I don’t want to give too much away. I think I am on a good path with what I am doing.”
