Brighton are closing in on the signing of Venezia and Austria defender Michael Svoboda.

The Premier League club’s agreed to activate the player’s release clause in his contract of around £4m, Meziesblog understands.

The 27-year-old will be hoping to win his fifth international cap later today with his country facing Argentina in the World Cup.

It’s understood personal terms won’t be a problem.

Brighton are assessing their options at centre-back after the recent departure of Jan Paul van Hecke.

They are awaiting Tottenham Hotspur‘s response to their latest financial offer for centre-back Luka Vuskovic.

Another centre-back Igor Julio is expected to depart the Amex this summer and Adam Webster left after the expiry of his contract.