Brighton could revive its attempt to sign Said and Malek El Mala from Cologne next summer, according to Sky Germany. The Premier League club continues to scout the brothers, although a January move is currently off the agenda.

Brighton had already been linked with both players in March, and talks over a double transfer reached an advanced stage during the summer. The deal did not go through. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig focused mainly on Said, while Brighton also saw a role for his older brother.

The plan for Malek, 21, was to join Brighton’s development side and train regularly with the first team. Both brothers are now under contract at Cologne until 2031, with Said extending his deal after a proposed Dortmund move fell through in August.

Malek has since made his Bundesliga debut, coming off the bench to score Cologne’s equalizer in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Union Berlin. He had already scored five goals in 11 Regionalliga appearances for the reserves this season.