Brighton remain interested in Manchester City duo amid Pep Guardiola declaration

Manchester City pair Cole Palmer and James McAtee remain on the radar of Premier League leaders Brighton.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side top the Premier League table after emphatic 4-1 victories against both Luton Town and Wolves, despite Brighton losing key midfield pairing Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister during the summer transfer window.

The Seagulls, Manchester City and Arsenal are the only three teams to have won their two opening Premier League matches, with Brighton also set to feature in the UEFA Europa League this season after notable success last year.

Brighton are eying reinforcements ahead of their upcoming European campaign and could step up their interest in Manchester City’s Cole Palmer and James McAtee during the remaining days of the transfer window.

The England U21 pair could both still leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Pep Guardiola recently declaring that Palmer would either stay with Manchester City or be sold by the club.

Palmer had previously been linked with a season-long loan exit, with a host of suitors across England and Europe interested in signing the winger on a temporary or permanent basis.

McAtee also has several suitors and was subject to an £8 million transfer offer from Brighton two years ago.

The midfielder spent the previous campaign on loan at Sheffield United, making 43 appearances and helping the Blades return to the top-flight.

Manchester City face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon, with the potential for the 20-year-old to feature against his former club at the weekend.

Simon Jones reports that Brighton retain an interest in both Palmer and McAtee, though the Seagulls are also chasing the signatures of Carlos Baleba and Mohammed Kudus – despite the latter being set to sign for West Ham United.

Palmer had been heavily linked with a season-long loan switch to the AMEX Stadium, however such a move has so far failed to materialise, with Brighton favouring a permanent transfer.

Premier League rules would prevent both Palmer and McAtee signing for Brighton on loan.

Palmer has scored two goals in three games for Manchester City this season, meanwhile McAtee hasn’t featured since a 3-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.