Fabrizio Romano: Brighton 'in talks' to sign Sunderland attacker, initial bid 'submitted'

Brighton and Hove Albion are “in talks” to sign Sunderland winger Tommy Watson, according to reports.

The teenager has enjoyed a breakout year on Wearside, and had established himself as a regular fixture in Regis Le Bris’ first team plans prior to sustaining injuries to his knee and ankle back in December. A product of the Black Cats’ youth academy, Watson has scored two goals in 10 Championship outings this season, as well as registering five goals and three assists across a quintet of Premier League 2 appearances for the U21s.

And it would appear that his impressive form has been enough to catch the eye of top flight suitors. As per renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Brighton have opened negotiations with Sunderland over a prospective deal. It is understood that an “initial bid has been submitted”, and that the Black Cats are “reluctant to sell” - although their bargaining power is diminished somewhat by the fact that Watson has just 18 months left on his current contract at the Stadium of Light.

This is not the first time that Brighton have been linked with a move for the wide man, with the Seagulls reportedly submitting a late bid to sign him during the summer window. That offer was said to be in the region of £2 million, and was flatly rejected by transfer chiefs on Wearside. Alongside Albion, Nottingham Forest and Rangers have both been touted as admirers of Watson too.

The 18-year-old’s most influential performance in red and white to date came against Stoke City at the start of December, during which he scored both goals in a 2-1 win. Speaking after the final whistle on Saturday afternoon, he said: “It's been my dream, to be honest. I couldn't have really pictured it any better after today. I like to think I've took my opportunity well, but I'm just focusing on my game-by-game and looking to stay in that team.

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“That's what I'm all about, to be honest. I think I'm now ready to start contributing with goals and assists. That's what I want to do. I want to be the main man here and score and assist and help the team in any way I can.”

Head coach Le Bris also hailed Watson after his display against the Potters, adding: "Tommy was very strong today. He's a very good winger and the way we play is well designed for him, I think. We can find him very quickly and use his main strengths well. Today was a very strong performance."

At the time of writing, Watson is still recovering from the fitness setback he suffered last month. An initial prognosis suggested that the attacker would be out of action for around eight weeks, and based on that schedule, he is expected to make his return to the first team picture at the Stadium of Light in early to mid-February.