Brighton are to offer for £10million-rated Preston defender Ben Davies.

The Seagulls have been sending their top scouts to watch the elegant Davies, who is an English ball player, says The Sun.

That ticks two boxes for Brighton boss Graham Potter, who has emerged as the frontrunner to sign Davies despite interest from Newcastle, Everton and Wolves.

Insiders say Brighton will try their luck with a bid in January, although Preston would look for a seven- figure fee.

North End plan to offer Davies a new deal but the Championship promotion chasers know how hard it is to keep a player when a Premier League club comes calling.