Brighton have enjoyed a decent start to their Premier League season despite losing their head coach Graham Potter to Chelsea in September. Italian boss De Zerbi was brought on to continue Potter’s fine work and Albion are seventh in the league standings as the top flight breaks for the Qatar World Cup. The Seagulls will resume their campaign on Boxing Day at Southampton and then face Arsenal at the Amex Stadium on December 31. The January transfer window then opens and De Zerbi has already stated that he wants some reinforcements to his squad as they prepare for the second half of the season and a possible push for Europe. Albion have already been linked with a number of players, including some of De Zerbi’s former charges from his previous clubs Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Sussex World have taken a look a the transfer links and created Albion’s starting XI – if the transfer rumours are true...
5. Solly March - M
De Zerbi loves him and the Hailsham lad is laying the best football of his career for his local club. Just needs to add a few goals to his game but De Zerbi's confidence in him is not something he has always had from previous managers and should serve him well Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
6. Moises Caicedo - M
So many rumours and so many clubs want him - including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid. Should stay at Brighton this January - unless of course a crazy bid is made for the Ecuador star. You would think it would have to be upwards of £60m to get Albion interested. Photo: MANAN VATSYAYANA
7. Maycon - M
Roberto De Zerbi knows the Brazilian left-footed midfielder well from their time together at Shakhtar Donetsk. The 25-year-old is currently on loan at his former club Corinthians and is valued at around £7m. Would add options to the midfield as injury concerns continue with Adam Lallana. His contract with Shakhtar runs until Dec 2025. Photo: SERGEI SUPINSKY
8. Alexis Mac Allister - M
The Argentina star signed a contract extension last month which is great news for Albion fans. It's no guarantee however but he should stay this January - bids could well arrive this summer for a player performing at the very top of his game. Top quality. Photo: Christopher Lee