Brighton transfers: Is Mykola Matviyenko a January target? What has Roberto De Zerbi said?

Albion have enjoyed an impressive return to action following the World Cup break in Qatar. They have gained six points from their three Premier League matches and also progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a thumping 5-1 win at on-form Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi is now starting to make a positive impact on the squad after he was appointed last October to replace previous boss Graham Potter who left for Chelsea.

Brighton will hope to keep their star players this January transfer window with Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Leo Trossard all attracting interest from the top clubs of the Premier League and from across Europe – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Juventus and Inter.

World Cup winner Mac Allister has stated he is in no rush to leave, while Caicedo said last week he wants to help Albion achieve their goal of European qualification this season. Trossard, who was left out of the matchday squad at Middlesbrough, could be the most likely to leave, with Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea all said to be keeping a watchful eye on the Belgian international attacker.

Brighton have already added Argentina wonder-kid Facundo Buonanotte to their squad this January for around £9m and although the club are not expected to have too much incoming activity, a couple more additions could be on the cards.

Albion have been lacking an experienced left-sided defender since Dan Burn departed for Newcastle for £13m this time last year. Mykola Matviyenko remains a person of interest and the Shakhtar Donetsk man has previously been linked with a moves to West Ham, Arsenal and Man City.

De Zerbi though knows the 26-year-old well having worked with the Ukraine international during his time at Shakhtar. Matviyenko can play left centre back, left side of the back three, left back and left wing back and could be available this January for around £10m.

De Zerbi said: “For sure I love him like a player. But I do not know if it is possible in this transfer market because Shakhtar is an important club and [Levi] Colwill is playing very well, so I don't know.”

Norwegian international wing back Julian Ryerson is reportedly another target for the Seagulls this January. The 25-year-old full-back or midfielder currently plays for Bundesliga club Union Berlin and could be available for around £5m. Ryerson’s contract is set to expire in June but Union have an option to extend by 12 months if ‘certain criteria’ are met.