Brighton among EPL clubs chasing RM striker who was top scorer at Club World Cup

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia is emerging as a target for Brighton and other Premier League sides - should the Spanish giants agree to loan him out in January.

The 21-year-old shot to prominence last summer when he was called up to Xabi Alonso's squad for the Club World Cup after an impressive season with a record-equalling 25 goals for the club's B team Castilla.

He went on to finish top goalscorer at the Club World Cup with four goals and one assist in six games and Madrid awarded him a new contract until 2030.

He has remained a regular part of Alonso's squad and eager to prove his worth but, with competition for attacking places fierce, has made 12 appearances with 11 of those coming off the bench.

That has alerted clubs such as Brighton to make soundings about whether he could be available in January.

Much will depend on the fitness of Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo while they also have Brahim Diaz but Madrid will assess closer to the window.

Should they open the door to a temporary move then a number of English sides are keen. Leeds and Sunderland showed interest in the summer but others also admire Garcia.

Amid increasing speculation over his future, the Spain U21 international has been asked about his ambitions but he has remained committed to Los Blancos.

'My only option has always been to stay at Real Madrid. For me, it's a dream to be part of the first team. And for now, I'm very happy and content with the decision I made,' Garcia told Spanish publication Marca.

'We’re talking about the best club in the world, and the competition is going to be fierce, because the best in the world are always here. But for me, having spent so many years in the youth academy and having been a Real Madrid fan since I was a kid, it’s a true dream to be part of the first team, and I don’t regret a single thing.'

Madrid may yet believe though that his development in the short term could be best served getting more regular and competitive game time elsewhere.