Brighton & Hove Albion close in on Steve Sidwell?

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly entered into advanced negotiations to sign Stoke City midfielder Steve Sidwell.

The 33-year-old is expected to depart the Britannia Stadium before the end of the transfer window, having failed to make the matchday squad on numerous occasions over the last few months.

According to Sky Sports News, Sidwell's former club Fulham have expressed an interest, but it is the Seagulls that lead the race.

The report adds that the former England Under-21 international was at the Amex Stadium yesterday afternoon to watch Brighton's 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town.

Sidwell joined Stoke from Fulham on a two-year deal in June 2014.