Talks with defender Hummels positive, says new Brighton boss

Talks between Germany 2024 World Cup winner Mats Hummels and Brighton have been "very positive," the Premier League club's new German coach said on Saturday.

Fabian Hürzeler, who joined Brighton after leading St Pauli to the Bundesliga at just 31, says it is now up to the 35-year-old free agent.

"I can say that the conditions are right - otherwise we would not have pursued the matter further. The talks were very positive, both on a professional and private level," Hürzeler told Sky.

"We hold each other in high regard, we've had good talks, but at the end of the day the player has to decide for himself whether he can identify 100% with the club. Ultimately, it's about what the player wants and whether he can fully commit. And that's what counts from now on."

The centre back is without a club after his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired in June. A move to Italy's Bologna did not materialize despite an offer while media reports say Premier League club West Ham United are also interested.