Nottingham Forest and Everton look set to miss out on Brighton striker Neal Maupay to Fulham, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Maupay interest

Last month, The Athletic reported that the south-coast side had received a £15m bid from Serie A side Salernitana for the 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer.

For Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United, Danny Welbeck was selected to start up front, with Deniz Undav coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Maupay remained on the bench for the entirety of the game, and this was followed as he was also omitted from Graham Potter’s match-day squad for the Seagulls’ draw with Newcastle last weekend.

The Latest: Ornstein’s news

Ornstein has shared the latest news surrounding the Frenchman’s future in the Premier League.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Fulham in advanced talks to sign Neal Maupay from Brighton in £15m deal. Still work needed so not done, but discussions advancing towards agreement. #FFC now firm favourites for 26yo striker ahead of Nottingham Forest & Everton.”

The Verdict: Blow for Forest?

With manager Steve Cooper looking to add further depth to his striking options before the window closes in September, the news Fulham are pulling away in the race to sign the 26-year-old will come as a blow to his transfer plans.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Maupay ranks in the 91st percentile for pressures and in the 87th percentile for pass completion (via FBRef), illustrating suitable characteristics to excel as an attacker in a Cooper side, tidy in possession and pressing from the front.

Hailed as a ‘goalscorer’ who is ‘always switched on’ around the box by Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira, the striker, who has netted 26 times in the English top-flight, would have added top level experience to Cooper’s inexperienced squad.