Brighton ‘to target’ 1FC Koln winger Said El Mala | OneFootball

Brighton are being linked with 1FC Koln teenager Said El Mala, a 19-year-old left winger who can also operate centrally and has impressed in the first half of the season.

Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger claims Albion offered about £20 million in a package also covering his brother Malek, a Koln midfielder, with both players to be loaned back for the rest of the season. It is believed the bid was unsuccessful before the winter deadline.

Sky Sports reported on deadline day, during an update from Brighton’s Lancing training complex, that a deal with a view to next season was being explored, but no agreement was announced.

El Mala has seven goals and two assists this season. He has attracted significant attention and coach Lukas Kwasniok has sought to manage expectations, leaving him on the bench in recent matches and stressing careful handling so he retains his enjoyment, while noting the hype does not help.

Koln are mid-table, five points clear of relegation danger, and they play RB Leipzig on Sunday.

Source: TheArgus.co.uk