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Brighton & Hove Albion have been pushed forward as a surprise option for Toulouse’s Zakaria Aboukhlal in the summer, according to Lions de l’Atlas.

The Ligue 1 side took the 23-year-old from AZ Alkmaar last summer. He’s managed 13 goals and five assists from 39 games this season.

Toulouse confirmed on Tuesday that they have made the winger to train alone, pending an investigation into an alleged altercation with a local official. The report states he’s been affected by this allegation.

Aboukhlal now ‘no longer intends to stay’ at the French club and they are also looking to cut ties with the Morocco international after this season. Brighton could provide him an escape route.

It’s stated the ‘Premier League woos him’ as the Seagulls ‘wish’ to secure his services in the next window. The report suggests he could continue his career in England, provided Brighton take further steps to seal the deal.

This is a surprise claim, especially considering the outcome of Toulouse’s investigation into the alleged altercation between the Moroccan and the local official is still pending.

It feels like someone from Aboukhlal’s camp seems to be pushing this story rather than there being a genuine interest from Brighton.