ATLETICO MADRID are plotting a shock transfer swoop for Brighton sensation Tariq Lamptey, according to reports.
However, the LaLiga giants face competition from Spanish rivals Sevilla and European champions Bayern Munich for the youngster.
Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign Tariq Lamptey from BrightonCredit: AP:Associated Press
According to the Daily Mail, Diego Simeone has been impressed by Lamptey’s exceptional form since signing for the Seagulls.
The 20-year-old made the switch from Chelsea to the south coast on a three-year deal in January.
With Reece James ahead of him in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, the right-back made the decision to advance his career elsewhere.
And it has proved a masterstroke already, with his stock rising with a series of stellar performances.
Arguably the best of those came at Tottenham on Sunday night where he finished smartly to equalise for Graham Potter’s men before Gareth Bale’s winner.
That was Lamptey’s first goal in senior football – adding to his one assist.
The England Under-21s international has racked up six chances created, 16 crosses and 22 passes into the final third.
Defensively, he has excelled, too.
The Brighton man has 13 tackles, 14 interceptions and 33 recoveries in his 542 minutes of action.
Lamptey – who could still choose to play for Ghana internationally – also clocked a staggering speed of 22.8mph in the win over Newcastle in September.
As revealed by SunSport, Brighton are already preparing to offer the wing-back a new deal.
He is currently on just £14,000 per week and Brighton are well aware of the interest from the continent.
Atletico already have Kieran Trippier at their disposal but at ten years Lamptey’s senior, the former Spurs man could find himself replaced by the 5ft 5ins talent.
Watch as WSL referee Lucy Oliver books a Brighton player TWICE without sending them off
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
