Brighton manager Chris Hughton has denied that the Seagulls have held talks with Celtic over signing striker Moussa Dembele for £18m.
The France U21 international was a target for Chelsea last January but a deadline day bid was reportedly rejected by the Scottish champions. The Blues are believed to be seeking a new striker next month, but it is not known whether the 21 year old remains a target.
Sky Sports have reported that Brighton had been in discussions with Celtic about Dembele, but when he was asked about the player after his club’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea yesterday evening, Hughton was quick to deny the story:
“I’ve heard reports. As manager of this football club, I’m quite sure I’d know. There’s been no contact between the two clubs. That’s speculation. There are numerous names that are cropping up, thick and fast.”
Dembele has struggled with injuries this season, and after scoring 34 goals in all competitions last campaign, he has scored just eight times for Celtic in his second year in Scottish football. He has been restricted to just eleven starts due to a hamstring injury and other fitness issues.