Brighton set to hijack big rivals Crystal Palace to £20m signing of wonderkid international defender
BRIGHTON have been busy trying to sneak Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from under the noses of rivals Crystal Palace.
The Seagulls are in contact with the Czech club about their Senegalese star, with talks being held over a £20million deal.
Palace are reluctant to bid so high but Brighton’s interest may force a return for the 20-year-old.
Liverpool have also been linked with the one-cap ace and his versatility is highly prized.
Diouf can also play in central defence or on the left of midfield.
He's only spent two years in European football, having arrived at Norwegian side Tromso from home-country club Academie Mawade Wade.
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Slavia Prague swooped in January 2024 and after scoring on his debut his status has soared further this season.
Meanwhile, Palace are reportedly wary of Manchester United launching an offer for Tyrick Mitchell.
And that might be an extra reason why the Eagles are so keen on Diouf.
Mitchell, 25, has rarely suffered the injury mishaps that the Red Devils appear blighted with at left-back.
Atletico Madrid are also thought to have monitored Mitchell.
Arsenal and Tottenham have been mentioned too.
But Palace would be reluctant to offload one of their most consistent performers.
Twice-capped Mitchell will hope to make the World Cup if England qualify.
He played the whole of Palace's 2-1 home Prem derby defeat to Brentford on Sunday.
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