Brighton are looking for Russell Martin to replace Roberto De Zerbi, who is expected to leave the Amex at the end of the season, FootballTransfers can confirm.
During the international break, the Seagulls spoke with the highly regarded Southampton coach, but nothing has been determined or confirmed.
The former Norwich City defender grew up in Brighton and attended the club’s development academy. Martin took over as manager of demoted Southampton last summer after earning coaching experience at MK Dons and Swansea. The Saints are presently fourth in the Championship table.
Liverpool is keeping an eye on current Brighton manager De Zerbi to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, but we can confirm that the Reds also have high hopes for Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim.
De Zerbi has also been linked with the Bayern Munich and Barcelona positions, while FootballTransfers recently revealed that Xavi might still make a remarkable U-turn.
In any case, Brighton has begun to put plans in place to secure a speedy appointment before the opening of the summer transfer market.
Furthermore, FootballTransfers can confirm that Brighton will insist on Deniz Undav’s return from his successful Stuttgart loan, despite the Bundesliga club’s option to buy the striker.
Undav has 16 goals and eight assists this season, and the Seagulls believe he is good enough to play a part next season. He would replace Ansu Fati, who will return to Barcelona in the summer. Brighton are attempting to entice Undav with significant promises of playing time.
Both the striker and Stuttgart have stated that they wish to extend their partnership beyond the current season, but the potential fee has so far proven to be the biggest impediment.
If Stuttgart makes the Champions League, which appears increasingly likely, they will have to spend up to €20 million for the newly minted German international. This would smash the club’s transfer record, yet it is questionable whether paying this much money is financially feasible.
Head coach Sebastian Hoeness recently stated that he is convinced that Undav would remain in Swabia, saying of the 27-year-old: “There are no two opinions from my side.” Deniz is an elite player who is enjoying a fantastic season. I get along well with him; he’s a bright player who scores and sets up goals.
However, behind the scenes, it appears that Undav will play his football at the Amex next season.
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