On April 4th, we covered claims from Belgium that Brighton & Hove Albion are the biggest contender in the race to sign CFR Cluj’s Philip Otele.
Adrian Mutu left the Romanian club earlier this month and had backed the winger to make a switch to the Premier League side.
According to iAMsport.ro, Brighton are ‘in the pole position’ to sign the 24-year-old in the next window.
Otele has impressed for the Romanian club this season, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists from 38 games. It’s no surprise he’s caught the attention of several clubs.
This is relayed by iAMsport.ro, and they add that Roberto De Zerbi’s side are now ahead of others in the transfer race.
The outlet have also contacted CFR Cluj owner Ioan Varga for an update on the attacker’s future, and he talked about Brighton’s efforts to sign the player in the summer.
“At the moment we don’t have any other offer for Otele apart from Brighton in England,” he said.
“They are thinking about what I have proposed: £6 million and 20% of a future transfer. Their head of scouting [Mike Cave] said we’ll stay in touch; he’ll speak to the board.
“I told Gigi Becali 6 million, but in euros, because he’s here in Romania. I asked Brighton for 6 million, but in pounds. That’s about €7m.”
CFR Club sold Lacina Traoré to Kuban Krasnodar for €6m in 2011 and that’s currently their club-record sale. If Brighton were to invest £6m [€7m] on Otele, he’ll become their most expensive sale ever.
