Percy Tau is attracting widespread interest as Albion weigh up what comes next for their South African ace.

The Argus understands numerous clubs are keen to borrow Tau, who carries a nation’s hopes on his slender shoulders in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, talks remain ongoing between Albion and the representative of Belgian winger target Leandro Trossard.

No decision has been taken yet by the Seagulls about the 2019-20 season for Tau, who faces Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in South Africa’s opening group game against Ivory Coast in Egypt today (3.30pm).

The versatile attacker will be sent back out on loan due to ongoing work permit issues.

He was named player of the season in Belgium after shining for Union Saint Gilloise, the second tier club owned by Albion chairman Tony Bloom.

Tau will either stay in Belgium with USG or a higher level club, or play elsewhere in Europe.

Albion’s bid to clinch the capture of 24-year-old Genk skipper Trossard continues.

More negotiations took place yesterday amid unconfirmed reports in Belgium of a fee of almost £18 million being agreed between the clubs.

Trossard is understood to be keen to make the move after marrying fiancee Laura Hilven on Saturday, although a number of European clubs are also interested.

Tau has a key part to play for South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations as they try to rediscover past glories under British coach Stuart Baxter.

They won the tournament in 1996, were runners-up in 1998 and third in 2000, but they have a poor recent record, finishing bottom of their group in 2015 and failing to qualify in 2017.

Tau will be trying to emulate Benni McCarthy and Shaun Bartlett, the Golden Boot winners in 1998 and 2000.

Baxter said: “If we can get Percy on the ball in the right areas he will be a threat.”

They have a tough start against two-time champions Ivory Coast, who also include Spurs defender Serge Aurier and Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri in their ranks.

Albion defender Leon Balogun will be hoping to feature in Nigeria’s second game against Guinea on Wednesday after playing no part in their opening 1-0 victory over Burundi.

Fellow Albion defender Gaetan Bong’s Cameroon face Guinea in their first fixture of the tournament tomorrow night.