Brighton make move to sign free agent Mats Hummels but face stiff competition from West Ham… while talks with Bologna stall for the former Dortmund defender

Brighton have asked about Germany international Mats Hummels. The free agent has seen talks with Bologna stall while West Ham have also expressed interest in the former Dortmund defender.

The 35-year-old centre back became a free agent after his contract at Borussia Dortmund expired at the end of last season.

Hummels was a rock in defence as the Bundesliga side reached the Champions League final, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid.

Brighton have registered a interest in a move for the centre-back, who has spent his entire career playing in Germany. 

It’s said that there was a phone call between Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler and Hummels in recent days.

He became a free agent after his contract at  Dortmund expired at the end of last season

Brighton’s project and Hummels’ future ambitions were among the subjects reportedly under discussion between the pair.

However, Hummels has yet to make a final decision on whether to continue his career or retire from playing.

Brighton confirmed Hurzeler as their replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, with the 31-year-old set to become the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history.

So far this summer, Brighton have signed wingers Yankuba Mintej and Ibrahim Osman from Newcastle and Danish side Nordsjaelland, as well as midfielders Mats Wieffer and Malick Yalcouye from Feyenoord and Gothenburg.

Hummels was reportedly involved in a heated confrontation with Dortmund boss Edin Terzic ahead of the Champions League final.

Meanwhile, West Ham have also expressed interest in the former Dortmund defender

Terzic decided to leave the club after the final, while Hummels left not long after as his contracted expired with the Bundesliga giants.

It brought an end to his 14-year association with the club, which sandwiched a three-year stint at rivals Bayern Munich.