Brighton Retains ‘All-Action’ Academy Starlet Amid Man United and Chelsea Interest

HITC understands that Brighton & Hove Albion are set to fend off competition from Manchester United and Chelsea to hang on to one academy talent.

Brighton & Hove Albion have become one of the better sides in the Premier League for bringing through talent from their academy with Irish striker Evan Ferguson a prime example of this.

Former St Pauli manager Fabian Hurzeler, who has been chosen to replace Roberto De Zerbi, will be tasked with continuing Brighton’s legacy with their academy.

One teenage star in Darius Lane has attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea but sources have told HITC that Brighton have done enough to keep hold of the American midfielder.

Brighton fend off interest from elsewhere to hold onto Lane

Sources have told HITC that the 16-year-old midfielder – who has been training with the US Olympic squad – is set to commit his future to The Seagulls.

There was strong interest emanating from both Chelsea and United, who have attempted to improve their academy set ups recently, but he will be remaining on the South Coast.

A number of clubs from around Europe had also been showing an interest in Lane, including clubs in France, who he qualifies for – with the likes of Lyon and Marseille keen.

Lane is a midfielder we should ‘look out for’

The pathway for academy players at Brighton have never been clearer and this will be another huge boost for the club’s prospects of holding onto key talent.

A report from the BBC stated that they spoke to a high-level scout to ask for Premier League academy players to watch out for and Lane was one of them.

“Darius Lane from Brighton is another name to look out for. He’s a central midfielder, French-American and just got called up to represent America,” the scout said.

“He’s a box-to-box, all-action style player and another one that I think has a really good opportunity to make it if Brighton provide him with the pathway.”