Man Utd, Tottenham arrivals boost Brighton over big-name summer targets

Brighton boss Graham Potter is hoping the transfer merry-go-round turns in his favour to land both Manchester United’s Dan James and Tottenham star Joe Rodon this summer.

The Seagulls chief is looking to build on a season that saw his side finish in 16th spot in the Premier League. They ended up 13 points above 18th-placed Fulham after a strong start to 2021. The south-coast outfit won three and drew three from January 16 onwards, keeping them clear of the drop zone.

But the challenge now is to push on and try to move toward the middle of the table. With that in mind, Potter is actively seeking new recruits and has turned his attention to a couple of players he knows well, according to The Sun.

James, 23, played under the Amex boss at Swansea City, making 38 appearances in all competitions in 2018-2019. That earned him a move to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils paying the Welsh outfit £15m for the youngster.

Things began promisingly for the speedy winger, with 33 top-flight appearances in his first United season. But his game time diminished in 2020-2021 and the wide man was seen just 15 times in the league, with 11 starts.

He featured heavily as Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s side reached the Europa League final. But the impending arrival of Jadon Sancho seems to have dropped him further down the Theatre of Dreams pecking order.

Potter is hoping to take advantage and would love the Wales international on his books at Brighton.

White exit could see Rodon arrive

Seagulls stopper Ben White has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. On Sunday it was reported that he will reject any other club to secure a move to the Emirates.

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Should that happen it will free up funds for the 46-year-old to move for defender Rodon. The 23-year-old joined Spurs from Swansea in October 2020.

But he has failed to nail down a regular first-team berth, with just eight starts among 12 league outings last term. And, with Nuno Espirito Santo moving for Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, game time might be hard to come by.

Potter will look to use that as leverage to land his man and reunite with the former Swan. It is thought Swansea would like to sign the duo on permanent deals.

But they would also be open to loans if the respective clubs are not willing to play ball. The fact that the pair know Potter well should help smooth the proposed transfers in the off-season.

However, other clubs may also enter the picture, with Leicester City linked, and so Brighton are looking to act fast.

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