Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford attempted to sign OGC Nice's Hicham Boudaoui in the winter market.
at least that's it Africa Foot Are reporting. The Algeria international then moved to Europe when Ligue 1 side Pardou AC signed him in 2019.
He took time to settle in France and started playing regularly for Nice from the 2020/21 season. To give context, the midfielder has played 194 matches so far and scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists.
His performances for the French club have helped him cement a place in the national team and even represent them at the AFCON.
Brighton and Watford's interest
Last month, Sports Witness Covered claims from France Fabian Herzeler's side want to sign the 26-year-old.
His impressive performances at the AFCON had caught the Seagulls' attention, but there was no mention of the Championship side.
Africa Foot recently covered Galatasaray's failure to sign the Nice star in the last window.
A recent report from the same outlet suggests that the Turkish club were not alone as Brighton and Hornets also failed.
Seagulls and Hornets submitted proposals
Africa Foot say the Algerian received 'concrete offers' from Galatasaray, Brighton and Watford at the end of the winter market.
It is unclear whether Brighton and Watford have submitted offers to Nice, the player or both, and even their details have not been mentioned. However, the report insists that their offers indicate 'increased interest' in the player.
The Istanbul club was the most insistent and their offer was to sign him on loan until the end of the season. Galatasaray were willing to pay his full salary and included a purchase option worth €15m.
Africa Foot made no mention of why Brighton, Watford or Galatasaray were unable to lure Boudaoui away from Nice.
Boudaoui's contract is until 2027, and the French club has yet to decide on his future. In case of a sale, the outlet says he 'represents an important asset for Nice, who will look to maximize any potential transfer fee.'
This would give Brighton and Watford a new opportunity to sign him in the summer.
