Brighton hoping to lure Brentford striker Neal Maupay to the Premier League

Brighton are hoping Neal Maupay could be tempted by a move to the south coast, two years after he snubbed them for Brentford.

The Premier League side are among a number of clubs trying to sign the striker after being impressed by his tally of 25 Championship goals for the Bees last season.

Aston Villa, managed by former Brentford boss Dean Smith, and Sheffield United are also tracking the Frenchman, who has a price tag of around £20million.

Brighton have a long-term interest in Maupay and thought they had won the race to sign him two years ago.

But the 22-year-old opted to leave Saint-Etienne for the Bees instead.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank confirmed yesterday the striker is fit for tomorrow’s season opener with Birmingham City, as is fellow forward Ollie Watkins — who has been linked with Crystal Palace.