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Brighton pushing hard for the signature of Moussa Dembele

By Nick McAdam

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 04: Moussa Dembele smiles with team mates during a Celtic training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht at Lennoxtown Training Ground on December 4, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 04: Moussa Dembele smiles with team mates during a Celtic training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against Anderlecht at Lennoxtown Training Ground on December 4, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Moussa Dembele may be one of the hottest properties that Celtic have to offer at the moment.

Several top clubs across Europe have been linked with interest in the Frenchman. Some include Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and some say that Barcelona might try to add another Dembele to the mix. One unusual club, however, are throwing their name in the hat for Dembele’s signature in January.

Brighton and Hove Albion are apparently going hard for the services of the 21-year-old in January. Despite interest from clubs with wider pockets, Brighton boss Chris Hughton still believes his squad will be hosting the likes of Dembele next year, according to the HITC.

"“He’s a very good player and has had a very good season but he’s not our player,” said Hughton. “He’s one of probably 100 names you could mention that if I had an opportunity to want them, then you probably would. But he’s not our player, like anyone else you could throw into the mix,” he added.More from The Celtic BhoysCeltic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord gameCeltic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare RangersBrendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic playerBBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero KyogoKyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters"

Brighton are certain they have the proper funds to secure the striker. Several sources indicate that Hughton will test Celtic with a opening bid of around 18 million pounds, regardless of the fact that Brendan Rodgers slapped a price tag of near 30 million pounds on Dembele.

After getting promoted from the English Championship last season, the Seagulls need the talent to compete in the Premier League. Brighton currently sit 13th on the EPL table, but are just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Another side that has been struggling for results in England would be Everton. The Toffees have also been linked with Dembele, but no additional comments have been provided from Everton on their potential interest.

At the moment, Dembele has compacted 21 goals in 25 Scottish Premiership contests, so the desire for his signature is well warranted.

However, the Bhoys should not be in such a hurry to sell Moussa. To have one of the most coveted young talents in Europe wearing a Celtic kit should be embraced. Celtic’s scheule doesn’t get any easier after the break especially with Europa League competition against Zenit.

Rodgers and the board need to hold onto Dembele for as long as they can. If some enormous monetary amount comes in for the striker, then maybe an exception could be made. But, you only get so many players of potential such as Dembele on the squad so often.

Keeping the Frenchman until next summer at the very least could help the Hoops finish off the campaign with success.

Next: Report: Celtic close to signing wonderkid midfielder

Will Dembele stay or go? How much do you think the France under-21 international is worth? Let us know in the comments below.