Brighton and Hove Albion are hoping to beat Celtic and Aston Villa to the signing of Nick Powell.

According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (04/03; page 63), Brighton are hoping that they will be able to see off the challenge of both Celtic and Aston Villa by making a £5 million bid for Nick Powell this summer.

The Seagulls tried to bring the Wigan Athletic talisman in during the January transfer window, but ultimately failed, and The Sun on Sunday is now reporting that both Celtic and the Villans have since joined the race.

The Sun on Sunday adds (04/03; page 63) that Brighton’s plan to try and beat the Hoops and Steve Bruce’s side to Powell’s signature involves making a £5 million bid when the window reopens, while Chris Hughton’s side also feel that maintaining their Premier League status is likely to give them an advantage.

Should Villa or Celtic match Brighton’s bid?

Powell has been sensational in League One this season, scoring 12 times for a Latics side that find themselves third in the table, six points off the summit, but have four games in hand over current leaders Blackburn Rovers.

If Powell is able to maintain that form at a higher level, then paying £5 million for him – if that is enough to tempt Wigan into a sale – would arguably be a bargain in today’s game.

And if Villa can capitalise on their good position in the Championship and perhaps secure promotion, and Celtic hold onto top spot in the Scottish Premiership and can thus offer potential Champions League football next season, Brighton may need more aces up their sleeve than just being able to offer Powell another crack at the top flight.

In other news, Report: Jose Mourinho’s response to two-for-one transfer offer