Brighton & Hove Albion 'edge closer to deal for Ben Brereton Diaz'

Brighton & Hove Albion are close to agreeing a deal to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz, according to a report.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant campaign in front of goal, netting 17 times in 21 Championship appearances, the second-highest tally in the division.

According to the Daily Mirror, Brighton are prepared to pay £20m in January to sign Brereton Diaz, who will see his contract at Ewood Park expire next summer.

The report adds that Leeds United, Southampton and Newcastle United are also interested in the Chile international, though Brighton are now considered to be the frontrunners to recruit the striker.

Brighton head coach Graham Potter is hoping that he can bolster his attacking options in the winter window to provide more competitions for the likes of Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard.

The Seagulls have also been linked with Besiktas forward Cyle Larin, who is also out of contract in June 2022.