The nine who could replace in-demand Bissouma
Brighton and Hove Albion will have a key transfer decision to make this summer on their in-demand midfielder Yves Bissouma The Mali international will have just 12 months remaining on his contract this summer and continues to be linked with moves to Aston Villa, Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United.
Bissouma joined Albion for £15m from Lille in 2018 and has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
At his best, the 25-year-old offers Brighton strength and guile in the midfield and also has the ability to drive forward and start attacks.
His form has dipped of late since his return from the Afcon but he remains a serious asset to Brighton and a major force in head coach Graham Potter’s team.
Bissouma is rated at around the £40m mark and last January Brighton turned down a bid of £20m plus from Aston Villa for his services.
Steven Gerrard hinted Villa will return this summer and could up their offer for a player Potter previously said is capable and ready to play at Champions League level.
Gerrard’s team could however face stiff competition as the other Premier League teams weigh up their midfield options.
Potter also previously stated he does not fear losing Bissouma and said it could create opportunities for the young midfielders in his squad to increase their game time, including the likes of Steven Alzate, Enock Mwepu and Moisés Caicedo.
The sale of Bissouma could spark a bidding war and Brighton may look to bolster that area of the pitch should their star man depart. Here the Brighton Indy have looked at few interesting options who could be available this summer.
Moussa Sissoko: The experienced France international has been a regular with Watford this season and has displayed he still has the quality to perform in the PL. Watford look likely to be relegated and he could be available for a decent price and add some experience while young players such as Moisés Caicedo and Kacper Kozłowski develop. Could be a good short term fix.
Harry Winks: Not always a regular in this Tottenham team and may look elsewhere for first team football. A classy player on and off the pitch and at 26 is just coming into his peak years. Would be a great signing for Albion but he wouldn’t be cheap.
Oliver Skipp: Another Tottenham midfielder more than capable of playing reguarly in the PL. Enjoyed a great loan at Norwich in the Chamionship and started the season well at Spurs. Groin injury has hindered his progress but should be fit after the break. Still just 21 and a very bright future ahead.
Billy Gilmour: The young Chelsea player has struggled to produce his best form this season while on loan in a struggling Norwich team. A player with huge potential and may seek a permanent move away from Chelsea to get regular football.
Josh Brownhill: One of the PLs more under-rated players but highly respected among his peers. The 26-year-old former Bristol City man has been a regular for Burnley this season and would be a solid aquisition for any lower midtable PL team.
Takumi Minamino: The Japan international would team up nicely with Brighton’s recent purchase Kaoru Mitoma. The Liverpool midfielder is technically gifted and has an eye for goal. Had a decent loan spell at Southampton but has struggled for game time this season back at Anfield.
Ruben Loftus Cheek: a high level performer when fully fit. A powerful and athletic player who has had loans at Palace and Fulham. Far from a regular at Chelsea and could fill the void left the Bissouma. Wages would likely be a major issue for the 26-year-old who should be approaching his peak.
TomDavies:Hashadinjuryproblems this season but the 23-year-old has played more than 150 matches for Everton and accumulated plenty of experience for a young player. A high energy and fully committed midfielder with the potential to improve further.
Isacc Hayden: Newcastle midfielder has previously been linked with a move to Brighton and the 26-year-old former Arsenal youth player is tipped to exit the Magpies this summer. Hayden has not featured for the Magpies since picking up a knee injury last December. he has been includied in Eddie Howe’s squad for their Dubai warm weather training trip.