Brighton are ready to battle Premier League competition for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
The 6ft 2in Uruguay international,22, joined Benfica last summer from Almeria where Albion also tried to buy him.
He got 14 goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances in his first year at Benfica after a £20million move.
Albion have since had a bid of £26m rejected and are considering going to £27m plus add-ons for goals, appearances and a potential sell-on.
But club officials in Portugal reckon the Seagulls may now face competition from an English rival this month, says the Mirror.
Lisbon club Benfica are understood to need to sell stars to ease financial pressure and are open to offers.
Nunez is yet to feature this season in Benfica's winning start domestically and in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.
In the 2019/20 season Nunez scored 16 goals in 30 games for Spanish second tier club Almeria.