Exclusive - Roberto De Zerbi on trail of Brighton starlet he handed debut to

By: Muhammad Saeed on November 16, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

HITC understands Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Josh Duffus is being tracked by a host of European clubs who are keeping close tabs on the progress of the England youth forward.

London-born Duffus has emerged from Brighton’s youth academy, which he joined in 2017 when he was just 12.

He made his first-team debut in the Europa League last season against AEK Athens, whilst he also appeared on the bench in the Premier League but this term under new boss Fabian Hurzeler he has yet to feature.

• READ MORE – Barry Ferguson expresses Matt O’Riley transfer shock after he leaves Celtic for Brighton

Marseille amongst a host of clubs following Josh Duffus

Duffus’s current deal expires at the end of the season and HITC can confirm that Brighton are yet to agree terms with the 19-year-old, which is understood to have alerted a number of clubs.

He was handed his debut by Roberto De Zerbi and we can reveal that Marseille are one of the sides keeping close tabs on his situation.

It is understood that Club Brugge, Valencia and RB Leipzig are also amongst those who are keen on Duffus – indeed the German side saw his talents at close quarters when he scored in their Premier League International win over them last month.

In-form Brighton starlet has Premier League interest

Duffus has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Brighton’s youth side with 10 goals to his name already.

London-born Duffus signed his first professional deal with Brighton in 2022, snuffing interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham.

HITC can reveal that a number of Premier League clubs are again on his trail as he enters the final six-months of his deal at the AMEX Stadium.

The post Exclusive - Roberto De Zerbi on trail of Brighton starlet he handed debut to appeared first on HITC.

Exclusive - Kevin De Bruyne update as Manchester City star given guarantees by Belgium boss

By: Muhammad Saeed on November 16, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

San Diego FC are confident of securing the signing of Kevin De Bruyne and HITC can confirm they are leading the chase for his signature.

HITC exclusively broke the news in the summer that the newest MLS franchise, who begin playing in 2025, were ready to target De Bruyne.

Due to MLS rules, San Diego are allowed to sign up to thee ‘designated players’ who do not count towards the wage cap – a rule first introduced when Los Angeles Galaxy signed David Beckham.

It has since allowed Inter Miami to make Lionel Messi one of the highest paid players in the world, and HITC understands that San Diego have a similar deal lined up for De Bruyne.

• READ MORE – Director admits he waited five years to sign ‘very special’ £23m Manchester City man

San Diego confident of landing Man City legend

HITC understands that talks with De Bruyne camp have advanced in recent weeks and there is a confidence that the Belgian will arrive in California next summer on a free transfer.

HITC is also told that De Bruyne has been assured by Belgian head coach Domenico Tedesco that playing in either America or Saudi Arabia will not impact on his international place ahead of the World Cup finals in 2026.

The biggest threat to San Diego comes from Saudi Arabia as the Pro League are looking to offer him terms, but they feel De Bruyne and his family prefer America.

San Diego supremo admits watching De Bruyne

San Diego have already signed Mexican star Hirving Lozano, but they want an additional attack minded player and that was confirmed by the club’s new sporting Tyler Heaps.

When asked about their next designated player in an interview with MLS Soccer’s official website, he said: “We see it as probably an attacking player, again, to complement Hirving.

“So we’re looking whether it’s right wing, or whether it’s [a No.] 8, [No.] 10, somebody that can impact the game.”

Heaps was asked directly about De Bruyne and refused to rule out the prospect.

“I enjoy watching him play football,” a smiling Heaps said of De Bruyne.

“I think a lot of people enjoy watching him play football, so I’ll just leave that at that.”

The post Exclusive - Kevin De Bruyne update as Manchester City star given guarantees by Belgium boss appeared first on HITC.