Brighton have made contact with experienced former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, according to Sky in Germany.
The 35-year-old is a free agent after leaving Dortmund at the end of last season.
He made 508 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions across two separate spells and has made 78 appearances for Germany, although he wasn’t selected for this summer’s European Championships.
Hummels played a key role as the Bundesliga side reached the Champions League final, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
The south coast club are interested in signing a centre-back and are looking at options in that position under new boss Fabian Hurzeler, who replaced Roberto De Zerbi and becomes the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history at just 31 years old.
Brighton have signed wingers Yankuba Minteh and Ibrahim Osman this summer, as well as midfielders Mats Wieffer and Malick Yalcouye but have yet to strengthen in defence.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.