Brighton join West Ham in race for winger – Seagulls now preparing formal offer

Brighton have joined West Ham in the race to sign Sevilla winger Rubén Vargas, with the Seagulls now reportedly preparing a formal offer after the Hammers made the first move for the Switzerland international.

West Ham were credited earlier on Monday with initiating contact to assess Vargas’ situation following their relegation to the Championship, but there is now fresh competition from another English club.

According to both Marca and Mundo Deportivo, Brighton are the latest side to enter the picture and intend to submit an official bid for the 27-year-old after his impressive performances at the World Cup.

Brighton step up interest

The Spanish newspapers explains Vargas’ stock continues to rise thanks to his displays for Switzerland, where he has contributed two goals and one assist in four World Cup appearances.

Trabzonspor and several Premier League clubs remain interested, but Marca identify Brighton as the newest arrival in the race, claiming Fabian Hürzeler’s side are preparing a formal proposal for Sevilla.

That represents the first suggestion of an imminent bid after reports earlier on Monday stated West Ham had already made enquiries over the winger’s situation.

Sevilla are watching developments closely. The La Liga side need to generate transfer income this summer and hope Vargas’ World Cup performances will push his value even higher.

The reports also recalled they rejected a €15m (£13m) offer from Villarreal last summer, giving an indication of the level they expect if negotiations begin again.

Rubén Vargas focused on Switzerland

While speculation continues to grow, Rubén Vargas insists his attention remains firmly on Switzerland’s World Cup campaign.

Ahead of Tuesday’s last-16 clash with Colombia, the winger made it clear he is not allowing transfer rumours to distract him.

“We all want to win and be honest with each other. That’s what makes a good team,” he said.

The Sevilla attacker has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in the United States after an injury-hit campaign in Spain, where he missed more than 10 matches last season.

For West Ham, the situation appears to be becoming increasingly competitive. Graham Potter’s side were first to make contact, but Brighton now look ready to test Sevilla’s resolve with a formal offer as Vargas’ World Cup performances continue to attract Premier League attention.