Sources: Brighton aim to beat Newcastle to exciting forward after entering talks with Rochdale for Igor Tyjon
Brighton & Hove Albion are in talks to sign highly rated Rochdale teenager Igor Tyjon as they look to beat Newcastle United to his services, TEAMtalk understands.
Tyjon is a 16-year-old forward who has attracted interest from several clubs in the Premier League following his goalscoring exploits for Rochdale’s youth sides. Indeed, he is now regarded as one of the best young prospects in the country, having caught the eye while representing Rochdale U16s in the last 12 months.
Newcastle have been weighing up a move for Tyjon as they continue their recent policy of signing some of the best young players in the country. The Magpies may have spent big money on the likes of Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman in recent transfer windows, but they have also brought in exciting youngsters such as Australian winger Garang Kuol and Gambian forward Yankuba Minteh.
Newcastle’s super rich owners are determined to ensure the club has long-term success, and improving the youth setup with some of the best teenagers around is part of this process.
However, Newcastle might miss out in this transfer chase. TEAMtalk understands Brighton are hoping to steal a march on their Premier League rivals and have firmed up their interest in Tyjon by opening negotiations with Rochdale.
Brighton are eager to build a strong base of youth in their academy by signing players who can eventually develop into first-team stars on the south coast. And Tyjon is viewed as an ideal signing, as he could follow in the footsteps of Evan Ferguson by making a big impact at the Amex.
Rochdale know they cannot keep striker
Rochdale, who finished bottom of League Two last term and will therefore play in the National League next season, are resigned to losing the teenager. They are unlikely to reject a sizeable offer from a Prem club for him and they know they will struggle to stand in his way when it comes to a big career move.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Chelsea will soon open talks for the signing of a Brighton star.