8 hours ago
Brighton look to beat Manchester City to rising star of Club World Cup
Brighton have made a bid in the region of £20 million for Flamengo right-back Wesley França.
The 21-year-old has also attracted interest from Manchester City and has been linked to Chelsea, although they are not in for the Brazilian and it is not an area of their team they are looking to change.
Instead it is Brighton who have submitted an offer for Wesley, who played in Flamengo's impressive 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Club World Cup in Philadelphia.
Wesley was at fault for Chelsea's goal, which gave them the lead, but played a key role in his side's comeback and has enhanced his reputation with his performances.
It is understood that Flamengo are prepared to sell Wesley, who has two senior international caps, and are aware of his ambitions to move to Europe and play in the Premier League.
However, they will not contemplate a sale until after their Club World Cup campaign ends, having targeted the tournament as one that they can win. It remains to be seen whether they will accept Brighton's bid.
City view defender as potential replacement for Walker
Brighton are in the market for a right-back, having used midfielder Jack Hinshelwood in that role, firstly, under Roberto De Zerbi and with his successor Fabian Hürzeler.
Towards the end of last season Hürzeler used centre-half Adam Webster in that role. The manager also has 33-year-old Joël Veltman and Tariq Lamptey, although he has suffered from a series of injury problems and has been used further forward.
Wesley is an attacking right-back who would fit Brighton's style. He is good on the ball, delivers dangerous crosses and has the physicality to thrive in the Premier League. He is not as strong defensively, but he is still young and regarded as a good prospect.
City have considered him as a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker with Pep Guardiola having used Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis in that position. City have also looked at Newcastle United's Tino Livramento and Juventus's Andrea Cambiaso, having accepted that it will be almost impossible to sign Paris St-Germain's Achraf Hakimi.
