Pete O’Rourke updates on Matt O’Riley completing permanent move from Brighton
Brighton could agree a permanent sale of Matt O’Riley to Marseille with the midfielder continuing to impress Roberto De Zerbi in France.
Over the summer, Brighton came close to selling O’Riley, given the plethora of attacking talent in the side.
Sunderland were one of the many clubs interested in bringing in O’Riley along with some of Europe’s top clubs such as Juventus.
Yet, Fabian Hurzeler opted to loan out the midfielder to Marseille, which could now see De Zerbi make O’Riley’s move a permanent one.
Roberto De Zerbi a ‘big fan’ of O’Riley as they scramble to finalise January deal
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Denmark international is flying in Ligue 1.
His performances have delighted the Italian manager, who has played him both domestically and in the Champions League this season.
However, with Brighton valuing O’Riley at around £30million back in the summer, according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, his price tag will only have increased.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the likely transfer, I explained: “He has done quite well for Marseille, O’Riley, since his loan move.
“He’s made 15 appearances for them, he played for them against Newcastle in the Champions League midweek.
“Obviously Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is a big fan of the Danish international as well.
“So I think Marseille are looking to see if they can get this deal done in January just to ward off any potential interest from other clubs.”
Brighton join Aston Villa in race to sign Gonzalo Garcia on loan in January
The Seagulls are currently in a rich vein of form in the Premier League as they look to return to Europe after what will be a two-season hiatus.
In a bid to strengthen their European hopes, sources told Football Insider that Brighton and Aston Villa are both in the hunt for Gonzalo Garcia.
The English top-flight duo are keen to bring the 21-year-old Spaniard in on loan in January, with teh youngster not getting much game time at Real Madrid.
The number 16 had a sensational Club World Cup, yet has dropped down the pecking order following the return of other heavy-hitters up top.