Brighton have been offered hope in the race to sign Rennes’ Mohamed Kader Meite.
The forward has been linked with a host of clubs in recent weeks following his strong start to the season in France, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 18 appearances.
Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Brighton were among eight clubs cited as being among the 18-year-old’s suitors. Al-Hilal are also thought to be pushing to sign the striker in a deal worth £35million, but a Saudi switch does not appeal to the player.
Manchester United are the latest team to be linked with Meite, with numerous reports claiming that the Red Devils are weighing up whether to make a move to sign the Frenchman this month.
However, Sky Sports report that it is ‘unlikely’ that Michael Carrick’s side step up their interest in the teenager over the coming days.
If Joshua Zirkzee were to leave the club before the end of the transfer window, then that decision would be reassessed, but United are ‘cautious’ about throwing Meite into such a high-pressure environment so early in his career.
Nevertheless, the Red Devils have shortlisted the No. 39 as a ‘possible future target’.
United’s stance will be music to the ears of the likes of Brighton and Palace, who are reportedly expected to be among a number of clubs looking to strike a deal with Rennes at the end of the season, when his sale is more likely.
With Danny Welbeck not getting any younger and Evan Ferguson facing an uncertain future at the Amex Stadium, it remains to be seen whether Meite is the Seagulls’ only striker target.
Brighton are often keen to beat the rush to sign sought-after stars too, and thus, it would be no surprise if Fabian Hurzeler’s side looked to steal a march on rival suitors over the next few days with an offer for the youngster.
They have already seen two bids rejected for Charlton’s Micah Mbick.