Brighton and Hove Albion are set to step up their pursuit of Brentford ace Neal Maupay, as Graham Potter looks to put his own stamp on the Premier League outfit following his appointment as boss.

According to the Mirror’s Live Transfer Blog (18/07), Potter is looking to lift the goalscoring burden off the shoulders of Glenn Murray this summer, with Maupay an option for the Seagulls.

Maupay has been at Brentford for the last two seasons and has rapidly established himself as one of the Championship’s most clinical strikers, netting 37 goals in 85 league appearances, as well as an additional four goals in cup competitions.

Last year, the 22-year-old struck 28 goals in all competitions for the Bees, 25 of which came in the Championship as Thomas Frank eventually guided Brentford to a mid-table finish on the back of Dean Smith’s departure.

Brighton are not the only club interested in the Frenchman; The Star have reported previously that Sheffield United have Maupay earmarked as a key target, with now Aston Villa boss Smith also holding an interest in his former forward.

According to Transfermarkt, Maupay’s deal at Griffin Park runs until the summer of 2021.

The Verdict

Brentford are in a luxury position here with Maupay really, the striker’s contract isn’t much of a concern and there are a host of clubs interested in signing the Frenchman.

The Bees wanting £20m seems fair, and with more and more clubs entering the race to sign him, it is only going to drive up his price.

It’d be a good fit for Brighton to sign Maupay, and Potter is going to know a lot about him after managing Swansea at Brentford’s level last season.

A move does seem inevitable in my eyes, and it’s going to be interesting to see where the Frenchman ends up in the Premier League.

Thoughts? Let us know!