FC St Pauli are keen on keeping Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Leo Östigard, but the move is seen as an ‘an almost impossible endeavour’ with other sides hovering.
Östigard has been on loan with the German side since the summer, having found his chances at gametime at Brighton limited.
He has proven to be a big hit with the 2.Bundesliga side, making 16 appearances in all competitions and helping the side to 12th in the table.
His performances have earned rave reviews, and according to Hamburger Mortenpost, ‘word has spread’ about his excellent displays.
So much so that St Pauli are now facing potential competition from Bordeaux, should they try to turn Östigard’s stay into a longer one.
The newspaper reports that Bordeaux scout Jakob Friis-Hansen has noticed Östigard’s performances, telling them that his club “still need a strong stopper for the summer” and hinting that the Brighton defender is one they are looking at.
According to Hamburger Mortenpost, Östigard would be keen on the move as his chances of pushing into the Norway squad would be better if he was playing with a club in Ligue 1.
That makes keeping him difficult for St Pauli, who are looking unlikely to mount a promotion challenge this season and can’t offer what other clubs can.
Brighton’s stance isn’t mentioned, but they may be keen to test the player themselves, with manager Graham Potter having shown a willingness to blood youngsters this year.
