Brighton are seeking clarification from Celtic over the availability of Moussa Dembele.
The Daily Mail says Brighton want to establish if Dembele wishes to join them before they proceed with a bid.
The Celtic striker is the subject of interest from the south coast club and is also being chased by several Premier League rivals.
Stoke City, West Ham and Southampton are all weighing up a move for the Frenchman in January.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton said: "I'm very aware of the speculation. Certainly at this moment that's all that it is."