Brighton face a big club battle to land Reims striker Boulaye Dia.
Brighton have been chasing a deal for Dia since January and remain in contact with Reims about a deal.
However, La Provence says the Seagulls and Rennes now face competition from Olympique Marseille for Dia.
Dia, 23, has a contract with Reims to 2022.
And his club is prepared to sell this summer - even if the deal involved is a staggered payment arrangement.