Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton attempted to sign Cole Palmer

England forward Palmer has shone at Stamford Bridge this season, registering 21 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League following a £40million move from Manchester City.

The 22-year-old is due to line up against Albion on Wednesday evening when Mauricio Pochettino's Blues visit the Amex Stadium.

"We tried to bring him in the transfer market last summer," said Seagulls head coach De Zerbi. "We thought he could be a top player.

"The qualities of Palmer are clear for everybody but not when he played in Man City. This season he is playing very well, he is scoring a lot of goals.

"He's a problem for us tomorrow because he can start in the winger position and come inside or a number 10 as well. The quality of Palmer is very high."

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