Exclusive: Brighton give green light for Tommy Watson to leave
Brighton have given the green light for Tommy Watson to go out on loan before the end of the month, sources have told Football Insider.
A number of clubs are believed to be interested in the 19-year-old winger, who arrived at Brighton in last summer’s transfer window.
Watson has started just one of his ten appearances under Fabian Hurzeler, when he picked up three assists in their 6-0 Carabao Cup win against Barnsley.
As a result, the Seagulls are keen for him to play more regular football, with a interested parties both in England and abroad now being made aware of his availability.
The former Sunderland winger is under contract at the Amex until 2029 and the club have high hopes for his long-term development.
Brighton prepared to accept Tommy Watson offer
Watson enjoyed a breakout season for Sunderland last year, when he made 30 appearances across all competitions including 20 in the Championship.
Watson scored a 95th-minute winner for Sunderland in their play-off final against Sheffield United, in what proved to be his last touch for his boyhood side.
That came following a multi-club race for his signature, with Brighton eventually beating rivals Crystal Palace and other Premier League suitors to the deal.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in October that Brighton rejected a loan offer from Porto for the winger on deadline day, and they remain strong suitors.
Sources say the Portuguese giants have not been deterred by the initial rejection and could make a renewed bid for his services before the window closes.
Brighton battle Celtic for Vinnie Leonard deal
Watson is an example of Brighton’s plans to buy young and eventually sell for major profits, with more young targets now being identified.
Football Insider revealed on 15 January that Brighton want Dundalk teenage sensation Vinnie Leonard and have joined the race for his signature.
Celtic, Crystal Palace and Norwich City are also interested in the 17-year-old and have been tracking his development for some time alongside the Scottish champions.
The four clubs have registered their interest in signing the Irish teenager before the 31st January deadline.
Dundalk are bracing themselves for offers for Leonard, with the central defender regarded as one of the best young prospects to come out of Ireland in recent years.
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