'They're confident' - Expert: Brighton to beat Chelsea in race to sign Bundesliga sensation

Brighton & Hove Albion are plotting a move to beat Chelsea to the signing of FC Koln sensation Said El Mala ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old has stunned in the Bundesliga this season with eight goals and four assists in 25 appearances, earning high-profile interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

However, the Seagulls feel they can beat rivals to his signature thanks to their previous record with developing young players and selling for a profit.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton could tempt El Mala to the South Coast with the offer of more regular first-team football.

Despite what has proved to be a frustrating season under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are making ambitious transfer plans to bolster their squad in the summer.

Brighton race Premier League giants to Said El Mala deal

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United want El Mala and are keeping a close eye on his Bundesliga displays.

However, Brighton hope to move quickly to beat their rivals to the deal and have been working on a move since the January transfer window.

“Brighton have a good record of unearthing this type of talent,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They’re excellent when it comes to assessing the value and potential of these young players, and he’s somebody they’ve been watching closely for a while.

“They looked at making a move in January but that didn’t happen, now there are going to be other clubs in the Premier League and abroad in the summer.

“But they’re confident, Brighton, and they will feel they can get ahead of the other clubs.

“Their record speaks for itself and players will take note of that, plus they’ll be able to offer more playing time and opportunities than the bigger clubs.

“I think they’ll back themselves because he is somebody they like, and usually they do what they can to get it done, but they won’t be made to overpay.”

Brighton brace to receive offers for Bart Verbruggen

Despite having ambitions of adding to their squad this summer, Brighton remain at risk of losing some of their key players after a frustrating season.

The likes of Carlos Baleba and even Lewis Dunk have been linked with moves away, but Bart Verbruggen is attracting the most high-profile interest ahead of the window.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Brighton will demand £50million for Verbruggen amid interest from Newcastle and Chelsea.

The goalkeeper has attracted high-profile interest from some of the top Premier League clubs thanks to his displays both for Brighton and the Netherlands.

The Seagulls will insist they get a top price for any sales this summer and will only do deals on their own terms, having received record fees in the past.

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