SWANS PLOTTING SEAGULL SWOOP?

SWANSEA City are weighing up a loan deal for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Malick Yalcouye, the Post has learned.

- TOM COLEMAN Sport reporter

The 19-year-old, who can play either out wide or as a number eight, is seen as one of the most exciting youngsters on Brighton's books right now, and there had been suggestions he might be on the cusp of a run in the first team next season.

But despite some impressive performances for Albion in preseason, another loan spell has been viewed as the best next step in his development.

Toulouse and FC Copenhagen have shown an interest in recent weeks, but Swansea now appear to be firmly in the mix.

However, contrary to reports elsewhere, club sources have stressed that a deal isn't yet agreed, with the youngster understood to be one of several midfield options being looked at. It's understood Liverpool's James McConnell is another to have been the subject of initial enquiries this summer.

Yalcouye spent last season on loan at Austrian champions Sturm Graz, and even played eight times in their Champions League campaign, including a man-of-the-match performance against Borussia Dortmund.