Brighton in ‘open negotiations’ to sign Brazilian defender – Club ‘want €20m’, intermediaries ‘at work’

Brighton & Hove Albion seem to suddenly be taking the lead in the race for Fiorentina defender Igor.

The centre-back has been linked with several clubs this year, with the likes of Fulham, Brentford and Leeds United all said to be interested in him as well.

It turns out that as outlet Fiorentina News today features the quotes from journalist Enzo Bucchioni on Radio Bruno, it’s said it’s actually Brighton who are now moving for the signing.

The reporter claimed that there are already talks going on for the move, and the Seagulls may actually take an advantage from Fulham’s unsuccessful attempt.

“Brighton are on Igor, we are in open negotiations, the intermediaries are at work,” said Enzo Bucchioni.

“Fiorentina want €20m and Fulham’s offer was too low.”

The interest thing is that Brighton’s interest in Igor had actually been revealed in January, but in the past few weeks, the Italian media had only been focusing on Fulham’s interest in the player.

The Craven Cottage side, though, are finding big difficulty in matching Fiorentina’s request for the transfer, and seem unlikely to do it.

So depending on how strong Brighton move, they may find an open path for the summer signing.