Borussia Dortmund on verge of signing Man City & Brighton players in double swoop for Champions League runners-up

Sky Sport Germany reports that Dortmund are close to an agreement with Brighton over Gross in the range between €7 million (£6m/$8m) and €10m (£8m/$11m). Meanwhile, City right-back Couto is the subject of a loan with an option to buy enquiry.

While Gross appears to be moving towards completion, the Couto deal could be slightly more complicated to iron out. City would prefer an immediate permanent sale for the 22-year-old Brazilian, who has spent three of the last four seasons on loan at partner club Girona. If Dortmund push for a loan, they could end up paying more with an option to buy than if they buy him outright now. That being said, Sky still expects a breakthrough this week that would allow Couto to join Dortmund's pre-season camp.

Gross joined Brighton in 2017 when the Seagulls were newly promoted to the Premier League. Now 33 years of age, he has played 261 games and has had a huge role in the best period in the club's entire history.

Dortmund are searching for a first Bundesliga title since 2012 and last season's journey to the Champions League final was a source of encouragement to the club, having also only narrowly missed out on a domestic crown in 2022-23. Having returned from a trip to Japan, pre-season continues with training in Switzerland under new coach Nuri Sahin.