Brighton and Hove Albion are currently stonewalling VfB Stuttgart as the German side try to sign Deniz Undav on a permanent basis.
That’s according to Stuttgarter Nachrichten, who say the ‘poker’ for the striker is now in a ‘delicate phase’.
The newspaper reports that Stuttgart are prepared to spend a lot of money on Undav after his impressive loan spell last season.
Negotiations between themselves and Brighton have been underway for some time, but they are stalling and not going anywhere, because of the Seagulls.
Stuttgart have offered €23.5m for the striker but Brighton have not reacted to that bid in any manner. They’re stonewalling the Germans, who see it as part of a strategy to keep them guessing.
There’s been no comments on the amount offered or even any comment to suggest what they would want for Undav.
That’s frustrating for Stuttgart, who are willing to pay for the striker and have already found themselves wrapped up in a complex transfer game that’s seen them activate a purchase clause only to have that countered by Brighton with a buy-back option.
Now the Seagulls are testing how far Stuttgart will go to get the German and giving Stuttgart the cold shoulder to ramp up the pressure and presumably the amount they’re willing to pay.
They’re also willing to ignore Undav, who has made it clear he wants the move publically, even if he brings this ‘discontent’ into the squad in pre-season.
Whether it works remains to be seen but the frustration is clearly mounting in Stuttgart, which would suggest the tactic is having some effect.
