BRIGHTON are closing in on Mainz defender Leon Balogun, according to reports.
Balogun is out of contract this summer and the Seagulls are in pole-pole position to bag him on a free transfer, say ESPN.
The 29-year-old can operate at centre-back and full-back made 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side who narrowly avoided relegation.
After a successful return to the top-flight, Brighton boss Chris Hughton is eager to strengthen his squad.
The Nigerian international with 16 caps could provide cover for first-choice central defensive pair Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy who were outstanding for the Premier League new boys.
Hughton needs to add another defensive option following the departure of Uwe Hunemeier who returned to Germany to join SC Paderborn this month.
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Born in Germany, the defender qualifies for Nigeria through his father and has spent his entire career in German football.
Balogun played a major role in the Super Eagles qualifying for the World Cup and should feature for Gernot Rohr’s side.
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Hughton is also monitoring Lokamotiva Zagreb stopper Denis Kolinger.
The 24-year-old Croatian has another two years on his current deal and could be available for a cut-price £1million as he is keen to move to England this summer.
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