Brighton are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign Ukraine centre back Mykola Matviyenko in a deal that could be worth up to £20million.
It is believed Matviyenko, 26, is keen on a move to the Premier League and the chance to reunite with his former manager Roberto De Zerbi. Shakhtar have already lost Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea this month and the Ukrainian club are said to be holding out for more than £20m.
De Zerbi coached Matviyenko at Shakhtar for more than a year until he left Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
Talks between the clubs have taken place over the last week and Brighton are now believed to have now stepped up their interest in the defender.
But a deal is not thought to be imminent, with the two sides yet to agree on Matviyenko’s valuation.
The centre back has made 54 appearances for Ukraine and would add depth to Brighton’s defence following an injury to the on-loan Levi Colwill.
Shakhtar stood firm on their £88m price tag for Mudryk, with Chelsea eventually beating Arsenal to the winger’s signature earlier this month.
Should Brighton have to fork out more than £20m, Matviyenko could become a club-record signing.