Brighton have been credited with an interest in reported Sunderland target Gonzalo Garcia

Brighton and Hove Albion have entered the race to sign mooted Sunderland transfer target Gonzalo Garcia, according to reports.

The Real Madrid starlet was linked with the Black Cats over the summer, but ultimately put pen to paper on a fresh contract in the Spanish capital. Garcia enjoyed a breakout FIFA Club World Cup, scoring four goals in six matches, and was subsequently rewarded with an extension that is set to run until 2030.

Nevertheless, speculation over his future has re-emerged in recent days, with Spanish publication Fichajes reporting that Sunderland are one of a number of Premier League sides, alongside Aston Villa and Wolves, currently monitoring the attacker. The trio are said to be willing to offer around £17.6 million for his signature.

In another interesting development, however, the Daily Mail claim that Brighton are also keeping tabs on Garcia ahead of a prospective loan bid in the new year. It is understood that the 21-year-old’s relative lack of minutes in Spain - with 11 of his 12 appearances this season coming from the bench - could open the door for him to leave Madrid on a temporary basis, and if that does happen then Albion, as well as several other English clubs, could look to swoop.

What has Sunderland-linked Gonzalo Garcia said about his new Real Madrid contract?

As quoted by Marca last month, Garcia made it clear that he never truly entertained the notion of leaving Madrid this summer, despite apparent interest from the likes of Sunderland and Leeds United. He said: "My only option has always been to stay at Real Madrid. For me, it's a dream to be part of the first team. And for now, I'm very happy and content with the decision I made.

“We’re talking about the best club in the world, and the competition is going to be fierce, because the best in the world are always here. But for me, having spent so many years in the youth academy and having been a Real Madrid fan since I was a kid, it’s a true dream to be part of the first team, and I don’t regret a single thing.”

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Garcia was also asked about his star turn at the Club World Cup, adding: "In the end, you look back on it now and I've come to terms with it better. But I look back at that Club World Cup and it still surprises me, even myself.

"In the end, what changes the most is at the media level, walking the streets and people recognizing you and knowing who you are. But with my family and friends, nothing has changed, because I'm the same, the same 21-year-old kid I was before playing in the Club World Cup."

Referencing his relationship with recently appointed head coach Xabi Alonso, he continued: "The truth is, it's been very, very good. As I've already said, when I played in the World Cup, Xabi showed me a lot of confidence, he was always giving me advice and supporting me so I could play calmly. The same goes for the group; he's very close to us, and for me, he's one of the best coaches in the world right now."

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