Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has admitted admiration for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.
Dahoud is expected to join Brighton in a Bosman deal this summer.
De Zerbi said: "I know very well Dahoud, but it's not official at the moment, it's not official yet.
We will speak about him later."
To a suggestion that it sounded like the deal would happen, De Zerbi said: "Yes, because we have not secret and I like him and I would like to work with him."
But he added: He is not my player yet."