7M - Brighton Lead Race For Koln Winger Said El Mala As Newcastle Face Competition

Brighton and Hove Albion are closing in on a deal for Cologne teenager Said El Mala while Newcastle United risk missing out on the highly rated winger according to reports from Sport Bild and the Daily Mail.

The nineteen year old has impressed with nine goals and three assists in twenty six Bundesliga appearances this season prompting Newcastle to dispatch scouts to Germany. However Brighton submitted a written offer worth up to thirty million euros in January and have renewed talks with Cologne to accelerate a summer transfer.

El Mala's parents who recently assumed representation of their sons Said and Malek after ending their partnership with agency Footfeel have granted permission for a move. Brighton are pursuing both brothers with negotiations centered on a package around thirty five million euros including bonuses and a future sell on clause.

Even if Newcastle lose out on El Mala the left wing is not a pressing priority for manager Eddie Howe. Harvey Barnes is regaining form and Anthony Gordon continues to deliver high output performances making additional investment in that area potentially redundant.

Newcastle's transfer focus may be better directed toward goalkeeping concerns involving Nick Pope and loanee Aaron Ramsdale strengthening the right flank where Anthony Elanga has struggled or adding a creative midfielder to the squad.