Brighton & Hove Albion close to Alireza Jahanbakhsh deal?

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly moved a step closer to completing a deal to sign Alireza Jahanbakhsh from NEC Nijmegen.

The Seagulls are looking to recover from a disappointing Championship campaign which saw Chris Hughton arrive to replace Sami Hyypia, and a busy summer is expected as they aim to become promotion contenders once again.

Jahanbakhsh, who represented Iran at last summer's World Cup, has emerged as a target in recent weeks and they are willing to pay a reported £1.5m for his services.

"We are still busy with negotiations. I have been in England to see the stadium and facilities. We have to think, we are still talking," Amir Hashemi, the 21-year-old winger's manager, is quoted as saying by The Argus.

"At the moment it's maybe 50-50. It's important Ali visits Brighton himself and talks to the manager. He is back from holiday tomorrow and that is the next logical plan."

Jahanbakhsh has also been linked with Celtic.