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Report: Brighton leading Southampton in race to sign Luca Connell

Manager Chris Hughton of Norwich smiles before the Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Norwich City at the DW Stadium on March 30, 2013...
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Bolton Wanderers’ Championship starlet Connell is reportedly a target for two Premier League clubs – Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Bolton Wanderers' Luca Connell competing with Bristol City's Kasey Palmer   during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Bristol City and Bolton Wanderers at Ashton Gate on January 25,...

Brighton are leading Southampton in the chase to sign Bolton Wanderers starlet Luca Connell in the summer according to the Sun, (11 February, page 63).

Despite being just 17, Connell has established himself as one of Bolton’s most impressive performers in recent weeks and has three Championship starts to his name already.

Understandably, Phil Parkinson’s side are hoping that the teenager commits his future to the club but the difficult financial situation at Bolton means keeping Connell could be easier said than done.

It is understood that Brighton and Southampton are both hoping to sign the versatile midfielder in the summer having failed with bids during the January transfer window.

Luca Connell of Bolton Wanderers during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Bristol City and Bolton Wanderers at Ashton Gate on January 25, 2019 in Bristol, United Kingdom.

But, the Sun adds, Chris Hughton’s side are leading the chase so far having tabled an offer of £300,000. The report states that Brighton could pay the money now before bringing him to the Amex at the end of the season.

Do not rule out Southampton deciding to match their South Coast rivals’ six-figure bid, however, given that Ralph Hasenhuttl is a manager who loves to work with talented youngsters like Connell.

Bolton Wanderers' Luca Connell competing with Reading's Chris Gunter  during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bolton Wanderers and Reading at Macron Stadium on January 29, 2019 in...