EXCLUSIVE: Brighton offer players in exchange for 20-goal striker wanted by West Ham, Everton

Brighton & Hove Albion are leading the chase for outstanding Blackburn Rovers frontman Ben Bereton-Diaz, TEAMtalk understands.

The Chile international is due to be out of contract at the end of the season, but it is believed Rovers already informed the 22-year-old that they will be taking the one-year option.

The former Nottingham Forest star has enjoyed the best season of his career and a host of clubs have been looking.

Brighton, though, are understood to be leading the chase as they look to bolster their attacking options.

The Seagulls already have German forward Denis Undav due to be arriving in the summer, and he is currently top-scorer in the Belgian top-flight with their sister club Union.

Despite Undav’s arrival – Brighton want to make an even bigger splash with Bereton-Diaz in their sights.

West Ham, Crystal Palace, Leeds and Everton are also set to be in the market. However, Brighton are to offer players in exchange, which they hope would swing the deal in their direction.

Brighton are willing to do a deal involving current loan players Jan Paul van Hecke and Reda Khadra – if that is what Rovers desire.

With both impressing during their current loan spell at Ewood Park, it does put Brighton in a strong position.

Bereton-Diaz has scored 20 league goals in 27 appearances for Rovers this season.

In a Premier League of managers, Howe would be Europe-bound, while Lampard would be down…or out

Meanwhile, Manchester United have a deal in place to sign Toby Collyer from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion to strengthen their youth ranks, reports claim.

Man Utd have had an eye to the future with their recruitment in recent years. For example, throughout last season, they signed teenagers such as Amad Diallo