Brighton are one of eight teams reportedly interested in Rennes’ rising star Mohamed Kader Meite.
The 18-year-old has impressed so far this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 18 appearances in all competitions, with his displays highlighting his immense potential.
The towering forward, who stands at 6ft 4in, is highly regarded in France, and his development has caught the eye of a host of top clubs in the Premier League.
However, those suitors may have already been caught flat-footed as Al-Hilal are looking to steal a march on their rivals in the race to secure Meite’s signature.
According to TEAMtalk, the Saudi side have lodged a bid worth £35million for the striker, but the teenager is ‘far from convinced’ by the prospect of heading to the Middle East and has raised questions about whether it is the right move this early stage in his career.
Al-Hilal still hold out a degree of hope that they can turn the head of the No. 39, but Meite has already made his stance clear on a Saudi switch.
Instead, European interest is being given greater consideration. Crystal Palace recently enquired into his availability as they scour the market for potential Jean-Philippe Mateta replacements.
Brighton, Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle have all sent scouts to watch Meite in recent weeks, with Brentford also keeping the striker in their sights despite recently signing Kaye Furo from Club Brugge on a five-year deal.
With Rennes in no hurry to part ways with their academy graduate, Meite is said to appreciate that a summer move is the ‘more realistic scenario’, as long as Al-Hilal’s lucrative offer does not force him into a change of heart in the meantime.
The delay will allow Brighton, as well as other suitors, plenty of time to weigh up whether to make a concrete approach when the season draws to a close.
With Danny Welbeck not getting any younger and Evan Ferguson facing an uncertain future on the Sussex coast, it would be no surprise to see the Seagulls bolster their forward ranks this summer.