- Brentford are reportedly ready to meet Cologne’s €50 million asking price
- Brighton have tracked Saïd El Mala for more than a year
- The 19-year-old winger has reportedly told teammates he expects to leave this summer.
Brighton’s hopes of signing highly rated Cologne winger Saïd El Mala appear to be fading with reports in Germany suggesting Brentford have moved ahead in the race for the teenager.
The 19-year-old has reportedly told teammates he expects to leave Cologne this summer as he edges closer to a Premier League move.
According to Sport BILD Brentford are willing to match Cologne’s €50 million valuation and are now pushing hard to secure a deal.
Brentford move ahead in Saïd El Mala chase
Brentford’s growing confidence reportedly comes after a serious move from the West London club following their push towards European qualification.
Brentford first emerged as contenders for El Mala back in April and have now accelerated negotiations behind the scenes.
Reports in Germany claim Brentford’s proposal is currently stronger than Brighton’s with the winger potentially set to earn up to €4 million during his first season in England.
There is also a growing expectation within Cologne that the player will not remain at the club beyond this summer.
Sport BILD report that El Mala has privately told teammates that one club is ready to meet Cologne’s demands and complete a transfer.
Read more: Brighton “perfect next step” for prolific star as Premier League transfer race heats up
Brighton fear Brentford hijack as talks stall
Brighton have monitored El Mala for more than a year but their pursuit now appears to have stalled at a critical stage.
The Seagulls are reportedly yet to move close to Cologne’s €50 million asking price and negotiations between the clubs have not significantly progressed.
German reports also suggest Brighton officials have grown frustrated by the lack of clarity surrounding the player’s intentions.
El Mala is now represented by his mother Sabrina while Brighton have reportedly grown frustrated that the winger has yet to clearly signal he wants to move to the Amex Stadium.
Brighton also feel El Mala and his representatives failed to fully follow through on earlier promises regarding talks with Cologne.
Also read: Borussia Dortmund enquire about Brighton star as cut-price transfer emerges
Transfer battle could intensify this summer
Cologne are now believed to be hoping for a bidding war as interest in one of Germany’s brightest young attacking talents continues to grow.
El Mala’s combination of pace flair and direct running has attracted admirers across Europe with Premier League clubs now circling ahead of the summer transfer window.
For Brighton it could become another frustrating near miss unless they decide to increase their offer quickly.
Brentford meanwhile appear ready to spend heavily and the signs from Germany suggest they currently hold the advantage in the race for the teenager.
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