Brighton reportedly still interested in El Mala | OneFootball

Despite heavy speculation surrounding his future, recent reports from Germany have suggested that Said El Mala could now stay at 1. FC Köln beyond the summer after all.

However, according to local newspaper Express, Brighton & Hove Albion remain highly interested in the 19-year-old winger.

Brighton were recently linked with another Köln player, Jakub Kamiński, but he now looks set to join SL Benfica instead. This could potentially prompt the Seagulls to reignite their interest in El Mala.

The Premier League club made an initial move for the youngster, but cooled their interest after failing to reach an agreement with Köln, who are demanding around €50 million for the highly-rated talent.

This, however, doesn't mean Brighton are no longer interested, according to Express, who claims the Premier League side are prepared to wait until late in the transfer window before potentially making their move.

What could work in Brighton’s favour is the reduced level of competition compared to earlier in the summer. El Mala has already turned down Brentford, while Newcastle have strengthened in his position with the signing of Bazoumana Touré from TSG Hoffenheim. Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool have also previously been mentioned among his suitors, but neither have shown concrete interest so far.

Brighton would likely have to increase their offer to get a deal done, though. According to Express, Köln have no intention of lowering their asking price for the youngster. The Premier League side were only willing to offer around €35 million earlier in the summer.