Brighton casting eyes over West Ham and Arsenal target as one of three reported January objectives

De Zerbi stated last week he has told the club his ideas and plans for this January window as the Italian looks to maintain Brighton’s push for European qualification.

Albion are eighth in the Premier League standings and have six points from three top flight matches following the World Cup break. This Saturday Brighton face another stern test as they welcome Liverpool to the Amex Stadium but all the while this month, looming large in background, remains the January transfer window.

De Zerbi has previously said that the window is too long and it makes it difficult for a coach as it can serve as a distraction as players can often look elsewhere as they assess what’s best for their careers.

Brighton will hope to keep hold of their top players – including World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Leo Trossard – but De Zerbi is also keen to add to his squad.

Three main targets have come to the fore of late with Ukraine international Mykola Matviyenko, Norwegian wing back Julian Ryerson and Levi Colwill, who is currently impressing at Albion while on loan from Chelsea, all among those under consideration this January.

Brighton are believed to be keen to make the Colwill deal permanent but it is understood Chelsea, who are struggling with injuries maybe be reluctant to commit to any decision this January. Colwill, 19, has impressed in the Premier League while playing alongside Albion skipper Lewis Dunk in absence of established defender Adam Webster who has struggled with injuries.

De Zerbi is a huge fan of Colwill but feels there is even more to come from the Chelsea youngster. “He is improving a lot. I am really satisfied with him, he’s a really good guy. He has a big, big potential," De Zerbi said recently.

"I think he can play better, he’s playing at around 60 per cent of his potential and I want to give him more confidence and tranquillity. But game by game, he’s playing better. The players in the squad are the same [to me], if they are on loan or not."

Matviyenko is another defender who has been linked with Brighton, although Arsenal, Man City and West Ham have also previously expressed interest. De Zerbi worked with the 26-year-old at his previous club Shakhtar Donetsk, which would certainly help Brighton’s cause if Shakhtar decided to cash in on their left-sided defender who could be available for around £10m.

"I do not know if it is possible in this transfer market because Shakhtar is an important club and Colwill is playing very well, so I don't know,” De Zerbi said earlier this month.

Another apparent target also emerged yesterday as Brighton are said to among a number of European clubs targeting Norwegian wing back Julian Ryerson. The £5m rated player plys his trade with Bundesliga club Union Berlin and his contract expires this June. The club do however have the option to extend for another 12 months.