Brighton set to reject Nottingham Forest approach for Yasin Ayari | OneFootball

Brighton are poised to reject a £20m bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Yasin Ayari (22) as the Seagulls look set to hold firm ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, BBC Sport has reported.

Forest, who are battling to pull clear of relegation trouble, have identified Ayari as a key target as they seek to add quality and energy to their midfield. However, sources have indicated that Brighton do not believe the offer reflects the value of a player they see as an important part of their squad.

The 22-year-old Sweden international joined Brighton from AIK Stockholm in 2023 for £3.5m and has since developed into a reliable Premier League performer. Ayari has made 66 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals, including a strike in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham. His progression has been aided by loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City, which helped accelerate his adaptation to English football.

Brighton’s reluctance to sell reflects both Ayari’s growing influence and their broader strategy of resisting mid-season departures unless valuations are met. For Forest, the rejection is a setback as they continue to reshape their squad in the final days of the window.

The Midlands club have already moved to bolster their attack with the loan signing of Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca and are also monitoring Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa following John Victor’s season-ending knee injury.

GFN | Finn Entwistle