Manchester United, Spurs and Aston Villa are all looking to seal a deal for Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
A report on Saturday claimed Brighton are ‘willing to sell’ the 25-year-old, who has 18 months left on his current deal at the Amex.
READ MORE: F365’s January transfer deadline day – and it’s LIVE!
That’s despite Graham Potter claiming earlier this month that he was confident Bissouma would still be a Seagull come February.
“Players at this level, and Yves is the same, know that at this time of year there’s speculation, things in newspapers, it’s part of what they have to deal with,” said Potter.
“They also know that they have to focus on the football and let all of the other stuff take care of itself.
“I’m confident (he will stay in January). I think Yves is enjoying his football here but, with the transfer window, you never know.
“We have to adapt to anything, which we do. You always plan for something you can’t necessarily foresee, so we’re in a good place, but we’ll see.”
It appears Brighton’s willingness to part with their star midfielder has sparked intrigue from Premier League suitors.
Newcastle have been linked with a move, but according to RTL France, it’s United, Spurs and Aston Villa who are in ‘intense’ talks for Bissouma.
The report from RTL claims Brighton are demanding £37million, but other reports suggest any buyer will need £50million.
Former England international Darren Bent believes Arsenal should also be chasing Bissouma.
“I would like to see Arsenal go and get Yves Bissouma from Brighton,” Bent said.
“I really like him, I think he’s a top, top player. He’s gettable as well.
“Him and Partey in the middle of the park, that is what you call protection in front of the back four by the way.
“You let the likes of [Emile] Smith Rowe, [Martin] Odegaard bomb forward.
“If you can Yves Bissouma, I think he can turn into a top player in this league, I really do. I really like him.
“He’s one of those players that can be box-to-box but if you ask him to sit there, he’s comfortable in possession. Yeah he’s a top player.”
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