Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is on Chelsea's radar for a potential summer move. (GiveMeSport, external)
Meanwhile, Albion striker Joao Pedro wants to join Liverpool this summer. (Football Insider, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton fan Scott Daly says Fabian Hurzeler has started his reign at Amex Stadium "incredibly" since taking charge in the summer, adding that the Seagulls are "one point better off" in the Premier League this season than at the same point under Roberto de Zerbi in 2023-24.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about Brighton's season so far, Daly said: "In the Premier League, Brighton have only lost six games this season. If you think back to five or six years ago, it is incredible to have only lost six games over halfway through the season.
"There have been quite a few draws where we could have stolen points and we should be in the top four, but Brighton are a very well-managed team at the moment. The club is very well run from the top to the bottom.
"Hurzeler has started incredibly. He has had an impact straightaway. Yes there was a little blip halfway through this season, but we are obviously on the rise again.
"If you are going to compare him with other managers, then I think that's silly. If you did want to compare him then I'm pretty sure that at this point in Roberto de Zerbi's last full season, we are one point better off than De Zerbi was.
"Being a young manager, some of your players are going to be a little bit older than you, but you are a manager who can gel with the team a little bit more.
"He can sympathise with them and he knows what's going on at that age. He can be more down to earth with them. Rather than being that father figure, he can be that brother figure that has a bit of banter with them and encourages them to do better."
We asked for your views on the FA Cup fifth-round tie between Newcastle and Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
Newcastle fans
David: Never a red card. The defender had a hold of Anthony Gordon's shirt and he merely over-exuberantly shoved him off - pathetic refereeing. The same referee had let off a definite second yellow card for Carlos Baleba just 15 minutes before. Newcastle deserved to progress, despite not being at their best. Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak were a class above. Brighton were very fortunate but hung in there and rode their luck.
Rich: The wheels came flying off the bus. We were unlucky with two offside goals but ultimately we lacked accuracy of passing, imagination and skill in nearly every position. A two-week transformation is required if we are to stand any chance in the Carabao Cup final.
Simon: Another home defeat. It is becoming a frustration that every season seems to go in the same way. I don't know what I watched but it was amateurish and a calamity. Joelinton was just infuriating and he needs to rein his petulance in a little. Playing Isak was a mistake and I hope he wasn't injured. Gordon is out of the Carabao Cup final, which we will most certainly lose if we turn up defeated before kick-off. Eddie Howe has got a miracle to perform.
Chris: Some of our players aren't good enough for the Championship, never mind the Premier League. Do their brains switch off when the game starts? Do they listen to the manager? It looks like me and my son will never see Newcastle United win anything.
Brighton fans
Brian: What a fantastic end-to-end game, settled by a brilliant finish from Danny Welbeck. Brighton to win the FA Cup? Why not.
Ben: We played very well in attack and decently in defence. There were some silly fouls coming in, which shouldn't have done, but it was still a very good performance. Nice to see Solly March back on the pitch and getting the assist. What a player Danny is to get the final goal - what a legend.
Sergio: Welbeck was amazing but March also deserves credit for finding that deadly pass and putting in a shift defensively. They were both substitutes too! Fabian Hurzeler made some great calls in this game.
Ian: A good performance from both teams, only spoilt by an over-officious referee. Brighton had the edge throughout and deserved the win. A great goal from Welbeck for the winner.
Brighton are among the many clubs interested in signing Romania right-back Andrei Ratiu, 26, from Rayo Vallecano. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals has been made. Here are the four ties in the order they were drawn.
Games will be played over the final weekend of March.
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Preston v Aston Villa
Bournemouth v Manchester City
Brighton v Nottingham Forest/Ipswich
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after his side sealed their FA Cup quarter-final spot: "It was a very emotional game, lots of ups and downs. The key was that we stayed together, stayed calm and tried to find solutions.
"They had a big chance, hitting the post, but then I thought we were controlling the game. The penalty was out of nowhere. We played with a lot of courage. We had some small chances and then after we conceded, we showed a brilliant reaction.
"We focused on our solutions and staying clam. In the second half, we were very dominant. We suffered a little bit when we received the red card but, overall, it was a great performance."
On Danny Welbeck and Solly March's performances: "Two special players. It is very helpful to have them in the team. They are great characters, they are hard workers, they have a lot of experience. It is important to have them in the squad."
On winning five games in a row: "We can only win something if we stay together, and that's what we must focus on. In football, there is not a lot of momentum but we have to understand why it's like this in the moment.
"It is important to stay grounded and keep doing the basic things."
On the possibility of reaching Wembley: "The fans can dream and we can work."
Brighton fans, what did you make of the performance? Let us know here
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton's match-winner Danny Welbeck has been speaking to ITV after the game: "It is great to get the winning goal. It was a solid team performance. There was a lot going on in the game, lots of ups and downs, but we stuck with it. I'm so proud of the lads.
"Newcastle can always put you under pressure. They are very dangerous but we stuck to our guns and we put in a great shift.
"I'm feeling very good, feeling fit and feeling strong - thanks to my mum and dad for giving me good genes."
On Brighton's chances of winning the FA Cup: "It is going to be really tough."
On Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler: "I think he knows that whenever I'm on the bench, I'm going to be analysing and making sure I can have an impact. I tried to do my best and thankfully I got the winning goal.
"We have got to push on. There's a lot more to come from us as a team. It is exciting times and we are looking forward to finishing strong."
Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton and Newcastle are both teams for whom winning the FA Cup would mean the world to their fans.
Albion, eighth in the Premier League, are clearly the best current team in England to have never won a major trophy.
Fabian Hurzeler's side are now two wins from reaching their first FA Cup final since 1983, the year they famously lost to Manchester United in a replay.
They were not at their best here and could have been more than a goal behind before Gambian Minteh levelled.
Minteh – who had brought down Tino Livramento for Newcastle's penalty opener - did not celebrate his goal on his first return to St James' Park, despite never playing a game for Eddie Howe's side before his departure last summer.
He joined the Magpies in the summer of 2023, but joined Feyenoord on loan on the same day. On returning, Minteh was sold for £30m to Brighton on 1 July.
Brighton had several chances to score – and when Gordon was sent off it looked as if they had the edge. But just before the end of normal time, Lamptey clattered into Murphy and followed the England forward down the tunnel.
When Schar volleyed in from the resulting Bruno Guimaraes' free-kick, the Seagulls looked to be out.
But semi-automated offside technology showed the Newcastle defender was offside and Brighton had a reprieve – which they took full advantage of.
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton have won five consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time ever as a top-flight club.
Newcastle United have been eliminated from each of their last five FA Cup ties against Brighton.
Brighton have beaten Newcastle twice at St. James' Park this season, after winning 1-0 in Premier League. They are just the fourth team to win twice away to the Magpies in the same campaign in the Premier League era, after Manchester City in 2013-14, Hull City in 2008-09 and Liverpool in 1997-98.
Danny Welbeck scored his eighth goal of the season across all competitions, his best scoring season since 2017-18 for Arsenal (10).
Were you at St. James' Park or following the game from elsewhere?
Newcastle fans - let us know your thoughts here
Brighton fans - tell us what you made of the display here
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
Two matches make up Sunday's FA Cup action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.
Newcastle United v Brighton (13:45) - BBC Radio 5 Live
Manchester United v Fulham (16:30)
All kick-off times GMT
Follow all of the action and reaction here
Alexander Isak missed Newcastle's defeat at Anfield with a groin injury so he has to be a doubt for this tie too, and his absence is a massive blow for Eddie Howe's side.
Brighton have hit a bit of form since losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest at the start of February, and have won four in a row in the Premier League and FA Cup.
The Seagulls also won at St James' Park earlier in the season, when Danny Welbeck got the winner. I remember that one because I got that prediction wrong.
People are talking about Newcastle being distracted by their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool [on 16 March] but could they actually be in line for a domestic cup double this season?
I am banking on them keeping that possibility alive here. They obviously could really do with having Isak back but, even if he is not fit, then surely Brighton cannot win there twice this season... can they?
Sutton's prediction: 3-2 after extra time
Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe road to Wembley continues this weekend, as teams battle it out to book their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
There is still lots of Premier League interest in the competition, with 11 top-flight teams all dreaming of a trip to Wembley. Aston Villa are already in the hat for the last eight after victory over Cardiff City on Friday.
The draw will take place on BBC One after Sunday's tie between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, which kicks off at 16:30 GMT and features Danny Murphy, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney in the studio with host Gary Lineker.
If you're wondering how to follow the remaining fifth-round ties, find all the information you need here.
Image source, Getty ImagesEarlier, we asked how well you remembered Brighton's opening Premier League game of the season.
The match against Everton ended in a 3-0 win, with Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra scoring for the Seagulls.
Image source, Getty ImagesBrighton recorded a profit after taxation of £42.9m in the 2023-24 season with stellar player trading bolstering their financial performance.
The Seagulls made a profit of over £110m on player dealing, helped in no small part by the sale of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a British record fee thought to be around £115m.
For the 2023-24 season, the club achieved turnover of £222.4m, excluding income associated with the New Monks Farm development. The figure represents the highest turnover in the club's history.
"By way of contrast our turnover in 2016-17, our last in the Championship, was £29.2m – an incredible 762% increase in seven years," the club wrote in a statement accompanying their results., external
Chairman Tony Bloom said: "The accounts show another healthy profit for the period. We've stayed competitive on the field while also making some significant investments in terms of transfer dealings ahead of that June deadline.
"The hard work, expertise and professionalism of our board of directors, executive team, and entire staff continues to provide the platform to make this all possible. I remain incredibly proud of our club and all who work here, and I would like to thank all our staff for their ongoing efforts."
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle have won just two of their past 15 meetings with Brighton in all competitions. They've already lost 1-0 against them at St James' Park this term.
Brighton have won each of their past four FA Cup games against Newcastle without conceding a single goal. This is their meeting in the competition since a 2-0 home win in the 2012-13 third round.
Image source, Getty ImagesTwo-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal Danny Welbeck says his Brighton side have a "great opportunity" to reach the quarter-final of the competition when they travel to Newcastle on Sunday in the fifth round.
The Seagulls have reached the semi-final twice in the past six years - most recently losing on penalties to Manchester United in 2023 - and will have hopes to go futher and win the club's first ever major trophy.
"It's a great opportunity, it's a great cup tie to be involved in," Welbeck told BBC Radio Sussex.
"We at Brighton are pushing and want to be involved in these type of games. We've got one to look forward to this weekend.
"It's going to be a really difficult game but one that we are going to work our socks off for like we have done these past few weeks and try and progress to the next round.
"To win the FA Cup is massive, I've done that more than once. It's great, I like the FA Cup, I really enjoy it. From growing up as a young boy and watching the FA Cup and all these special memories and special moments - it's a great to be a part of. The magic of the FA Cup lives on."
Brighton travel to the north east to face Eddie Howe's side who will have one eye on the Carabao Cup final in March. The Magpies are on a run of three losses in their past four Premier League matches.
"Newcastle are a really tough side to play against but we've been there and already have the experience of playing in front of the crowd there at St James' Park," Welbeck added.
"We know the atmosphere is going to be special. It's going to be ramped up even more but we're going to be prepared."
Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United (kick-off 13:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He managed to enjoy his birthday "a little bit" on Wednesday, but added: "There is not enough time to relax because I think the next challenge ahead of us will be tough, so we have had to prepare the best we can."
There are no new injury concerns but there will be no returnees for the FA Cup game. He is looking forward to captain Lewis Dunk being back in contention, even if this game "will be a little bit too early".
January arrival Eiran Cashin will be available after missing out on the squad to face Bournemouth in the Premier League earlier this week.
It will be "very important" to "find the balance" between fielding experienced players and giving younger players a chance: "The most important thing is that we get the most fresh and most ready team on the pitch."
This is a "do-or-die game" for the Seagulls, who are looking to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition: "The longer it goes on, the closer you get to the final. It is a chance to win something. We have to go all in and be ready to compete against Newcastle."
With Liverpool and Arsenal already out of the FA Cup and another four Premier League sides set to exit in the fifth round, he agreed there is "for sure a chance" that Brighton could challenge for the trophy due to "less top clubs being in the tournament".
He added: "You never know what's going to come next and this year's competition has already proven that. There have been some crazy results, so I won't say the percentage [of us winning it] is increasing but the chance to win something is always a little bit higher if the top clubs aren't there."
He acknowledged Newcastle United's recent form at St. James' Park: "They have been impressive. They are a very athletic and dynamic team. They have lots of players who can run a lot of metres at a high speed. It's very special. They can play very intensely because of that, so we have to be ready."
Therefore Brighton's challenge will be to make the Magpies supporters "as silent as possible" because "they are able to support their team in an unbelievable way".
He doesn't want to over-promise during his first season at the club: "I always try to give everything for the club and I want the club to be the most successful. We can promise our supporters that we try to do everything on the pitch and off the pitch to make them proud, but we can't promise to win a title."
Finally, on whether owner Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber have made their FA Cup expectations clear: "I always know their ambition and what they want to achieve because it's a regular exchange where we always share our thoughts. They haven't called me before this game to say we have to win it. It's more of a regular exchange. Therefore, I already know their expectations."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Listen to full commentary of Newcastle v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday from 13:45 GMT
