Brighton have failed with a £10 million bid for Nantes striker Emiliano Sala.

The Argentine forward has scored nine times from 20 games this season for his Ligue 1 club, who are managed by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri.

Seagulls manager Chris Hughton had hoped to sign the 27-year old in a bid to strengthen his sides chances of survival this season.

Reports in France claim that Brighton officials contacted Sala at the end of last week while he was negotiating a contract extension with Nantes.

The south coast club is said to have told the striker that they would offer Nantes £9 million for him.

However, Sala turned down the opportunity to move to England in order to pledge himself to Nantes.