Brighton are favourites to sign Brentford's Neal Maupay, report Sky Sports News.

The Frenchman has attracted interested from several clubs this summer, including Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Burnley, but it is Brighton who have entered talks over his signing.

According to Sky Sports News, the two clubs are yet to agree a fee but remain in talks - with Maupay valued at £20m - but with not long left remaining in the transfer window The Seagulls could give in and meet the demands.

The Bees have been keen to hang onto the 23-year-old and their determined approach has deterred interest from some.

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The 28-goal striker even returned home early from a pre-season tour amid interest from Aston Villa, and the fact he still remains at Griffin Park hinted that he would not depart this summer.

Nevertheless, Brighton have maintained their interest and since they have not signed a striker this summer, they could grow more determined to land him before the season begins.

The Verdict

This is a long-running saga and there is a sense that Brighton or another interested party could grow desperate and meet Brentford's demands as the transfer deadline looms.

The Bees would do very well to get £20m for him but losing him at a time where they may not be able to replace him would be a big blow.

He is central to their attacking style and they lack another goalscorer like him in the squad, so his departure would be a big setback in their play-off ambitions and undo much of the good work they have done in the market this summer.