Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly set to rival Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and he is unlikely to commit his future to the Gunners after turning down multiple offers to extend his deal at the Emirates Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail, Bayer Leverkusen are in discussions with Nketiah's representatives over a potential free transfer to the Bundesliga outfit when his contract expires.
However, the same report states that both Brighton and Crystal Palace are keen to sign the England Under-21 international this month.
Both Premier League clubs expressed their interest in Nketiah over the summer, with Patrick Vieira's side failing to agree terms for the striker's deadline-day move to Selhurst Park.
Palace are looking to bolster their attacking options in the winter window as they are unlikely to sign French loanee Jean-Philippe Mateta on a permanent deal for Mainz 05.
Meanwhile, Brighton boss Graham Potter is hoping to recruit a new centre-forward to provide more competition for Neal Maupay, and has identified Nketiah as one of his leading targets this month.
Oliver Thomas
