Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly in talks with Reigan Heskey following the expiry of his Manchester City contract.
The 18-year-old winger is available after leaving City’s academy at the end of June.
Academy reporter The Secret Scout claims Brighton and Bundesliga side FC Köln have both opened discussions over a possible move.
No agreement has yet been reported with either club. Heskey can now consider his options before deciding where to begin the next stage of his development.
The youngster progressed through Manchester City’s academy and reached Under-21 level. His availability gives Brighton the opportunity to add another highly rated prospect without negotiating a standard transfer fee.
Compensation may still be required because of his age and development at City.
Heskey fits Brighton’s academy recruitment model
Brighton have regularly recruited young players released or overlooked by leading academies before offering them a clearer route towards senior football.
Heskey would initially strengthen the club’s development squads, although a strong pre-season could give him opportunities to train around Fabian Hürzeler’s first-team group.
His ability to operate in wide attacking areas would also add competition following several changes across Brighton’s academy pathway.
As Read Brighton recently examined, the club have moved to protect winger Nehemiah Oriola’s future after including him around the first-team setup.
FC Köln offer a different route, with German clubs building a strong record of giving English academy players earlier senior opportunities.
Brighton must therefore convince Heskey that their pathway can provide the minutes and development he needs. Talks remain at an early stage, but his free-agent status could make him another low-risk addition with significant long-term potential.
