Brighton consider ‘making an offer’ for January signing – De Zerbi’s side take steps for transfer

Montpellier defender Maxime Estève has drawn attention from Brighton & Hove Albion and Sassuolo.

The 20-year-old graduated from the Ligue 1 side’s academy and was promoted to their first team in 2021. This term, he has made 12 league appearances, which includes eight starts.

L’Equipe state Estève’s performances have aroused interest from other clubs and mention Brighton & the Serie A side in their report. They also add he is one of the French club’s players who will be courted in January.

Both Roberto De Zerbi’s side and Sassuolo have ‘taken indirect steps’ to find out the 20-year-old’s situation at Montpellier. The report doesn’t dwell on what are the indirect steps taken by these two clubs.

Brighton and the Italian side are joined by an unnamed English club who have started their approaches to secure the centre-back’s services. It’s further explained these sides are already ‘considering making an offer’ to sign the player in the winter market.

Estève’s contract lasts until 2025 and L’Equipe add that it is unclear whether Montpellier will be open to parting ways with him midway through the campaign.