According to Sky in Germany, Brighton have made contact with former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who is also being monitored by West Ham.
The 35-year-old is a free agent after leaving Dortmund at the end of last season.
Brighton are interested in signing a centre-back and are evaluating their options in that position under their new manager Fabian Hurzelerwho replaced Roberto De Zerbi this summer, becoming the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history, at just 31.
Hurzeler joined Amex from St Pauli, whom he led in the Bundesliga last season.
West Ham – who signed Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis on Tuesday – they are also monitoring Hummels.
However, the defender has not ruled out retiring from football this summer.
Hummels made 508 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions over two separate spells and won 78 caps for the German national team, despite not being selected for this summer’s Euros.
Hummels played a key role in the Bundesliga side’s reach the Champions League final, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
Brighton have signed wingers Yankuba Minteh AND Ibrahim Osman this summer, as well as the midfielders Mats Wieffer AND Malick Yalcouye-Y …but they still need to strengthen their defense.
Along with Argentine midfielder Rodriguez, new West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has signed the Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes FoderinghamPalmeiras teenager Louis GuilhermeCaptain of the Wolves Max KilmanLeeds winger Crysencio Summerville AND Nicholas Fullkrug – Hummels’ former teammate at Dortmund – this summer.
Brighton in talks for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley
Brighton are in talks with Celtic over a deal for Matt O’Rileywith Chelsea among the various clubs interested in the midfielder.
O’Riley was the subject of offers from Atalanta this summer and has attracted further interest from other Premier League clubs and abroad.
The Denmark international, who scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 49 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, provided the assist for Celtic’s second goal in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock in their Scottish Premiership opener on Sunday.
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Vscek News also reported at the weekend that he is among several options being considered by Chelsea to replace him Conor Gallaghershould he complete his move to Atletico Madrid.
The 23-year-old has a contract with Celtic until 2027, after the club rejected a £20m offer from Atletico Madrid in January.
Vscek pundit Chris Sutton believes a move to the Amex would be a bad move for O’Riley. He told X: “With all due respect to Brighton, who are a brilliantly run club, I think Matt O’Riley should aim higher.
“I would like to see him have another go at the Champions League with this current Celtic team. Unless it’s a big enough move, there’s another season left.”
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
THE Summer Transfer Window 2024 will officially close on August 30 at 11pm (UK time) for the Premier League and 11.30pm (Scotland time).
The Premier League has moved up its Deadline Day to match other major leagues in Europe. The cut-off dates were set following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.