Brighton are working to secure a potential pre-agreement to sign Cologne winger Said El Mala this summer. Albion have a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old German international and are striving to beat the rush for the player's signature.

It's understood Brighton saw a discreet and undisclosed approach knocked back by their Bundesliga counterparts for the attacker during the January transfer window.

A number of clubs from both home and abroad - Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham are among the latest teams credited as admirers - are threatening to muscle in, which has prompted Brighton to intensify their pursuit of El Mala's services.

His contract with Cologne, who are currently fighting to preserve their Bundesliga status, runs until the summer of 2030 and is not thought to contain a release clause.

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But the attacker's value has risen rapidly and he has already recorded 10 league goals so far this season.

Brighton are expected to engage in further dialogue over a transfer during the international break, as they look to bring El Mala to the Amex Stadium ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

It has been speculated that the Seagulls could seek to sign El Mala's older brother, Malek, 20, as part of the package but sources are refusing to acknowledge the finer details of the discussions that are taking place.

El Mala recently parted company with agency Footfeel and his parents are now handling his professional matters.

Fabian Hurzeler's side are also tracking 17-year-old Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, who has just been handed his first senior international call-up with Belgium.

The teenager has travelled to the United States for friendlies against the USMNT and Mexico and looks likely to launch a late push for a place in the Red Devils' squad for this summer's World Cup.

De Cat dazzled at last year's U17 European Championships as Belgium reached the semi-finals of the competition and he was later named in the official Team of the Tournament.

Meanwhile, Amex chiefs are said to be delighted with the return upturn in form overseen by boss Hurzeler.

Despite claims that the German head coach was under increasing pressure last month following a string of turbulent results, sources close to the South Coast club note he retained significant internal backing and Brighton have now won four of their last five matches.

Hurzeler will have just one year left to run on his current Albion contract at the end of the season and he's believed to be attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, who are set to review Kasper Hjulmand's position this summer.

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