Millwall FC, Stoke, Preston and Bristol City facing Burnley threat in transfer battle | OneFootball

Bristol City, Millwall, Preston and Stoke are all keen on Brighton's Tommy Watson, who could leave on loan before the transfer deadline.

Bristol City, Millwall, Preston and Stoke City are among a host of clubs who are keen on Brighton’s Tommy Watson, who could leave on loan ahead of the transfer deadline.

The 19-year-old came through the ranks at Sunderland, with the Seagulls agreeing a deal for the winger prior to the end of the previous campaign ahead of the summer window.

Watson finished the season with the Black Cats, and he etched his name into the history books at the club by scoring the winning goal in the play-off final to take the Wearside outfit back to the Premier League.

Tommy Watson attracting plenty of transfer interest ahead of potential Brighton loan

The teenager linked up with Brighton in the summer, but he has found game time hard to come by for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, as he has made just six Premier League appearances, all of which have been from the bench.

Therefore, it has been reported by TEAMtalk that the Seagulls are open to letting Watson leave on loan in the next week.

The update claims that Bristol City, Millwall, Preston and Stoke are all looking to bring the player to the Championship, although it’s going to be very difficult to do a deal.

That’s because they also state Burnley are keen on Watson, whilst there is also interest from clubs in Portugal, France and Germany, so competition for his signature is fierce.

Unsurprisingly, it’s said that Brighton will prioritise game time for Watson when they decide on his next club, so that will encourage clubs in the Championship.

Tommy Watson has proven himself in the Championship

If any of the four clubs mentioned do manage to bring Watson in, you would have to say that it would be an excellent signing.

Even though he is still relatively inexperienced, Watson has had a taste of Championship football in his career, and he showed enough during his time with Sunderland to convince Brighton to splash out £10m.

With his pace and ability to carry the ball, Watson brings qualities that can change a game, and the four clubs mentioned could all do with someone who can do that.

In the race to finish in the play-off places, the January window is always crucial, and this shows that in many cases, clubs are looking at the same options, highlighting how difficult it can be to get deals done.

From Brighton’s perspective, Watson would benefit from a loan move as he looks to get regular football, and it would be no surprise if he did end up in the Championship, as you would expect him to play week in, week out.