Sussex

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Serie A's emerging power Como 1907 are weighing up a move for Brighton defender Igor Julio.

The 27-year-old is on the Italian club's shortlist to strengthen their backline but no official offer has been lodged.

But the move could prove attractive with Como well-funded by US investors and now managed by legendary midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Sources say the Brazilian centre-back would need convincing to return to Italian football having joined Brighton from Fiorentina for £14.5m in 2023.

Yet, Igor has also struggled to establish himself on the south coast and made only 16 appearances last season under manager Fabian Hurzeler due to a mixture of injury and being left on the bench.

Igor started in the 6-0 win at Oxford United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening and it remains to be seen whether Brighton would welcome any offers.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League home game against Manchester City (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He is "unsure" whether Georginio Rutter will be available for the City game but he is "close" to returning.

• On the emphatic 6-0 Carabao Cup win: "It's so important as it gives you energy. You can feel it in the building today."

• Stefanos Tzimas, who scored twice on his senior debut, "will be an option" for the squad "soon" as "every goal gets him closer to the team".

• On so many players making their debuts against Oxford: "No player here gets a chance just because they are a player for us. They need to deserve it. That is what I demand from them. There is a big competition now [for places] and that is what I like."

• He said it is "a results business" and only getting two points from the opening two games is disappointing, but "long-term the results will come if we keep working".

• More on their start to the campaign: "I judge them by their work ethic and performance. I believe if you keep on working and have the best effort on the pitch then you will get what you deserve in the end."

• He said he is "very happy with the squad" but did not rule out any further incomings before the transfer window closes on Monday.

• In response to whether Carlos Baleba will 100% remain at the club: "Yes. If there was a number more than 100 then I would say that. I am confident."

• Julio Enciso "is back" to continue his rehabilitation as his reported move to Strasbourg appears to have fallen through.

• On opponents Manchester City: "They are still a top team. They are playing a little bit of a different style and shape, but they are still Manchester City."

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Image source, Getty Images

Brighton's 19-year-old forward Stefanos Tzimas says that it's important to "stay grounded" after Wednesday's 6-0 win over Oxford United in the League Cup.

Tzimas came off the bench to score twice and assist once on his first Albion appearance.

"I'm very happy about my debut," Tzimas said. "I scored two goals and managed to help the team but now we have to stay grounded and focused.

"I'm here to work hard, and the guys help me in training a lot. I'm settling well here, and it's a really good environment."

He also credited fellow Greek team-mate Charalampos Kostoulas for helping him feel at home.

"I knew him from Greece four years ago and it's very helpful because we're Greeks who help each other, and we feel better together," he added.

Listen to Tzimas and more Brighton reaction

Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up