Brighton are said to be looking to fast-track the arrival of South Africa international Percy Tau. The Seagulls signed the forward last season but have had to do without his services due to work permit.
He featured last season in the Belgium lower league winning the player of the year and this season has been sensational for Genk. Tau who is now an undisputed star for the South African team is said to be eager for a transfer to his parent club.
It is not known whether a deal for his work permit can be made before the January transfer window. However, the club are hopeful that their application would be accepted by the British authorities as they look to harness his potentials.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in former academy graduate Nathan Ake according to reports from England. Manager Frank Lampard has been able to bring the feel-good factor to the club despite the transfer ban imposed by FIFA.
It is understood that the Blues are hopeful of getting the current transfer ban overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) which would deliver a verdict on the appeal on November 20. If the ban is overturned, Chelsea would be able to sign players in January and the club has prepared a list of potential targets.
Ake is top of the list with the club having the advantage due to a buy-back clause inserted to his contract during his transfer to Bournemouth two seasons ago. According to the clause, the Blues can sign the player at any time for £40million.
Ake has continued his development at Bournemouth and is considered as the best defender outside the top six clubs. His ability on the ball makes him ideal to Lampard progressive style and he is also good aerially which is important against opposing forwards.
Ake would be a good fit for the Blues defence and at just 24 years has the potentials to develop into a world-class defender.