Brighton eying shock loan move for Manchester City treble-winner amid Bundesliga interest

Manchester City forward Cole Palmer could join Brighton on loan next season, as the Premier League club join the race for the youngster’s signature.

The 21 year-old, who was part of Pep Guardiola’s squad that won the treble, looks set to be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of regular minutes after a frustrating campaign with the Manchester City first-team.

Palmer made just seven starts for the Blues during the 2022/23 campaign, scoring just the one goal and being named in the starting side for a Premier League game on only two occasions.

The forward started against Chelsea and Brentford towards the end of the Premier League campaign, and also featured against Sheffield United in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.

Palmer’s only goal of the season came against Burnley in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with the 21 year-old being an unused substitute on 29 appearances over the course of the campaign.

The England U21 international is now expected to be allowed to leave on loan next season, with a number of clubs in both England and Germany interested in signing the forward.

Several Bundesliga sides including RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have both been linked with the City player, while West Ham have also shown an interest in the 21 year-old.

However, fellow Premier League club Brighton are reportedly in pole position to sign the Manchester City forward, with The Sun revealing that the Seagulls are lining up a loan move for the player.

Brighton, who finished in sixth place and qualified for the UEFA Europa League last season, are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of a European campaign.

Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, with City seemingly considering the AMEX as the perfect place to enhance Palmer’s development.

Palmer’s loan would however be dependent on James McAtee staying with the first-team next season, according to The Sun.

McAtee is expected to remain at the Etihad Stadium for the 2023/24 campaign after impressing at Sheffield United last season.