Brighton faces competition from Manchester City for Ajax star

The opportunity to sign Mazraoui presented itself due to the player’s contract expiring next summer. Ajax apparently prefer to sell the player in January rather than losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

The Morocco international admitted his future was on hold, on Dutch TV show With Andy in the car, hosted by former footballer Andy van der Meijde, the 24-year-old said: “We have to see what happens. The longer it takes [to agree a new deal], the more difficult it becomes.

“I’ve been with Ajax for 17 years, so you get the feeling – I want to take another step forward. It shouldn’t be this season, but it shouldn’t take two years either.”

The Morocco international’s current contract with the Dutch giants is set to expire next summer, and in the absence of a new deal, the feeling around the club is that he could leave with a free transfer.

Albion is one of four Premier League clubs interested in signing the defender, according to Eurosport. The other clubs are Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton.

He is reportedly still considering staying at Estadi Johan Cruyff, if his contract can be settled.

Mazraoui said: “I am open to a new contract, I also said that to Marc [Overmars, sporting director]. I’m honest about it. ”

The defender has had a strong start to the season, scoring four goals and helping three more, while helping his team keep 11 clean sheets across all competitions.

The Seagulls have already signed an Ajax defender in recent years, Joel Veltman, and if they manage to hook Mazraoui it could be another shrewd deal on the club’s part.