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Brighton and Hove Albion are continuing their pursuit of defender Taranto centre back Mattias Antonini, with Roberto de Zerbi a fan of the 25-year-old.

That’s according to Tutto Salernitana, who say the Seagulls could face competition from Empoli and Salernitana for his signature.

A report yesterday made it clear that Antonini ‘dreams’ of joining Brighton this summer, with the Premier League side having held ‘several contacts’ with his club about a possible move.

Their interest in him came via manager De Zerbi, who is a great admirer of the player and would love to work with him next season.

Tutto Salernitana pick up on that and explain that Brighton have ‘come forward’ for the player, who has been impressing in Lega Pro and is considered something of a ‘powerhouse’.

Indeed, Taranto’s management struggled to repel interest in him during the January transfer window, when bigger clubs came calling and tried to make a move happen.

That interest has not gone away, particularly as Antonini is valued at just ‘over €1m’, a bargain in the current market.

If there’s any club that knows how to get a good deal, it’s Brighton, although they face competition from Italy for his signature.

Whether they can win the race for him remains to be seen, although the De Zerbi factor is sure to play a role if they do make a serious move for him.