Breaking:Fabrizio Romano confirms Brighton official sign first January player

Brighton & Hove Albion have joined several clubs in the chase for Red Bull Salzburg star Strahinja Pavlović, according to today’s Salzburger Nachrichten

The centre-back joined the Austrian club from AS Monaco in 2022 and after struggling initially, he has started to shine for them. It helped him to feature for Serbia at the World Cup and his displays over the last year or so haven’t gone unnoticed.

He’s one of Red Bull Salzburg’s ‘top performers’ and has attracted attention from Brighton and others.

From England, the Seagulls are ‘expressing strong interest’ in the 22-year-old and they have joined Fenerbahçe, AS Roma and Juventus in the transfer race.

The report states the Serie A duo could get serious for him soon. Therefore, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have to act fast, if they want to acquire the defender’s signature.

Salzburger Nachrichten state Pavlović’s market value has increased to €25m. They further add he feels ready and ‘wants to leave’ Red Bull Salzburg in January

The defender needs the green light from his employer to change clubs. That may not be an issue considering Red Bull Salzburg director Bernhard Seonbuchner is already looking for his successor.

Pavlović has two goals and two assists from 21 games this season.