Jose Mourinho plots free transfer swoop for Brighton regular

The defender’s Brighton contract expires this summer and, according to Italian newspaper Leggo, the 31-year-old has began negotiations with the Serie A side.

Veltman joined the Albion from Ajax in 2020 for £900,000 on a three-year deal. He has since gone on to make 101 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.

The 31-year-old, who has also won 28 caps for the Netherlands, was runner-up in the Albions' Supporters' Player of the Season award for the 2021-2022 campaign behind Marc Cucurella, with the fans giving him the nickname ‘Mr Consistent’.

The 31-year-old can play as a right-back or the right sided centre back in a back three and his versatility can be seen as the reason why Roma manager Jose Mourinho is so interested in signing him.

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The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager has regularly used a back three whilst managing in Italy and is said to want a new defender to help in build-up play.

There has been indication as to whether Brighton will offer Veltman a new contract.

Roma are currently chasing Champions League football, sitting third in the Serie A table with eight games left to play.

They are also still in contention to win the Europa League, being 1-0 down as they head into the second leg of their Europa League quarter final with Feyenoord.