Bad news for Real Madrid and Man City! Roberto De Zerbi to sign new Brighton contract despite interest from top clubs

De Zerbi has massively impressed since joining the side on the south coast with his attacking football. The Italian's possession-based style has drawn comparison with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and led De Zerbi to be tipped as the latter's successor. However, according to Football Insider, De Zerbi will turn down interest from Europe's elite to remain in charge at Brighton.

This does not necessarily mean De Zerbi will not end up at City or Real Madrid eventually. Brighton are known for securing their prized assets first before allowing them to depart for higher fees, as in the case with Moises Caicedo who departed for Chelsea in a record-breaking fee. However, the new contract does show De Zerbi's commitment to the project he is steering at Brighton.

Since De Zerbi took over, only Manchester City (104), Arsenal (98) and Newcastle (91) have scored more Premier League goals than Brighton (88).

Brighton travel to west London to face Chelsea on Sunday as they look to pounce on any ground lost by Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham just ahead of them.