Journalist Duncan Castles has said that Brighton and Hove Albion are confident that they can secure the signature of Celtic striker Moussa Dembele this month.
Dembele has established himself as an in-demand prospect after he scored 32 goals in all competitions last season to help the Hoops win the domestic treble unbeaten.
The France international arrived at Parkhead on a free transfer 18 months ago, but considering the potential that he has shown, it is likely to cost a lot to buy him at this stage.
Brighton are one of the clubs that are keen on signing the striker as they look to secure their Premier League survival.
Castles said: “Brighton have been most active to get an agreement with Dembele,” he told The Transfer Window podcast.
“Celtic are ready to sell, they want to maximise the money for him and Brighton believe they can do a deal for £18m to £20m.
“There’s a degree of reluctance on Dembele’s side whether Brighton are the team he wants to go to. His representatives had discussions with Brighton and were impressed with the way they are organised, their ambitions, ownership and long-term strategy they have.
“There has to be an agreement on salaries and the top one is £45,000 a week – and that’s not much more than he earns at Celtic.
“Dembele’s representatives are approaching this is a canny fashion. They consider it a stepping stone move with the player’s long-term career in mind.
“They think he can be one of the top strikers in the European game if he develops the right way. They are prepared to wait, they know January is a difficult time to move.
“Whoever wants to buy him, it’ll be harder to agree terms with the player than it is to agree a fee with Celtic.”
