Brighton’s summer swoops sends scouts scattering as West Ham United identify the ‘Chosen Wan’

The latest Premier League transfer news including potential moves for Brighton, West Ham and Manchester United.
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Sometimes it’s hard not to feel sorry for Brighton and Hove Albion. With a structure that is the envy of the vast majority of the Premier League, the Seagulls lose key individuals on and off pitch on a routine basis. Yet somehow, much like that scene in Monty Python when the knight continues to fight despite losing his arms and legs, the south coast club just keep going.

And what’s more they actually get stronger by unearthing another gem from out of nowhere. Take this season, when Kaoru Mitoma has become one of the most effective wingers in the Premier League and Evan Ferguson has come to the fore as one of the most promising strikers around.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma has impressed in the Premier League this seasonBrighton and Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma has impressed in the Premier League this season
Brighton and Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma has impressed in the Premier League this season

Then as recently as last week, 19-year-old Paraguayan International Julio Enciso scored his first goal for the club in a narrow win at Bournemouth to help his side continue their push for a place in European competition.

But it is two now established gems that are causing Brighton’s scouting team to reach red alert in their bid to find replacements in far flung places. Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are both reportedly on the wish list of Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window according to a recent report in The Telegraph and could make a move for both midfielders once their search for a striker is complete. There are reports elsewhere Seagulls striker Ferguson has admirers within the Old Trafford hierarchy. Poor Brighton!

One player that could be leaving the 13-time Premier League champions this summer is defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The attacking full-back was once tipped as a potential England regular but has found himself at the back of a very long queue consisting of the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Burnley's Dutch defender Ian Maatsen (L) fights for the ball with Manchester United's English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Burnley, at Old Trafford, in Manchester, on December 21, 2022.Burnley's Dutch defender Ian Maatsen (L) fights for the ball with Manchester United's English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Burnley, at Old Trafford, in Manchester, on December 21, 2022.
Burnley's Dutch defender Ian Maatsen (L) fights for the ball with Manchester United's English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Burnley, at Old Trafford, in Manchester, on December 21, 2022.

Competition at Old Trafford is just as fierce and the 25-year-old is said to be on a list of players that will be made available as Erik ten Hag looks to continue the progression he has made in overhauling his squad during his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a move to former club Crystal Palace but Football Insider have suggested West Ham United are ‘monitoring’ the defender, who was expected to move during the January transfer window, only for an injury crisis to ensure he remained part of Ten Hag’s squad. One manager that will not be making any transfer decisions in the near future is Jesse Marsch.

ACCRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Jesse Marsch, then-Manager of Leeds United, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Accrington Stanley and Leeds United at Wham Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Accrington, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)ACCRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Jesse Marsch, then-Manager of Leeds United, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Accrington Stanley and Leeds United at Wham Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Accrington, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
ACCRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Jesse Marsch, then-Manager of Leeds United, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Accrington Stanley and Leeds United at Wham Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Accrington, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The former Leeds United manager was hit by an unfortunate and some would say unnecessary comparisons to Ted Lasso when he was appointed at Elland Road last season. The former RB Salzburg man had enjoyed success with with Austrian outfit as he delivered four major trophies during a two-year reign before going on to join RB Leipzig.

Marsch kept Leeds in the Premier League - unlike Lasso’s attempts at AFC Richmond - but left Elland Road earlier this season as the Whites battled against the drop once again. The American has been linked with the vacancy at Leicester City in recent days but The Telegraph have now reported he has ‘withdrawn from the recruitment process’ over concerns the Foxes would need ‘a different approach’ and ‘a different profile of player’ if they are relegated into the Championship.