Brighton are progressing with a deal for Brazilian centre-back Igor from Fiorentina in a move worth more than £15 million.
Igor, 25, has also been on Fulham’s shortlist in their search for a central defender but a deal has moved forward on a switch to the Amex Stadium for next season to be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
The Italian coach has been looking at his defence following the return of Levi Colwill to Chelsea following a loan. The England Under-21 international has been a target for Brighton but no agreement has been made over a deal for him to return to the south coast.
Colwill’s importance to Chelsea has increased this week after it was confirmed that Wesley Fofana had suffered another serious knee injury, leaving Mauricio Pochettino one centre-back short in his squad for the start of the season.
Igor has been in Florence for three years, which included a season on loan from SPAL before his move was made permanent. He started his European career in Austria and was on the books at Red Bull Salzburg before moving to Italy.
The Brazilian has a year left on his contract with Fiorentina but they have an option of another season, which means there is no risk of him going on a free in 2024, but interest has increased in him this summer.
Fulham have discussed a deal for fellow Brazilian Morato at Benfica but Igor is a cheaper alternative in that position.
Andre Vidigal to bolster Stoke
Stoke City are moving closer to a deal for Portuguese winger Andre Vidigal from Maritimo.
Alex Neil has targeted the 24-year-old and there has been positive talks between the clubs, with the player preparing to fly to England to undergo a medical and the formalities of a transfer.
Burnley want burgeoning Italian talent
Espanyol have agreed a deal for Italy Under-19 forward Luca Koleosho to move to Burnley to be part of Vincent Kompany’s squad for the Premier League.
Koleosho, 18, won the Under-19 European Championship this month and returned to his Spanish club, but they are now expecting him to move to Turf Moor after a deal worth €3 million (£2.6 million) was agreed.
The American-born teenager is an exciting prospect for Kompany, adding to his attacking options following Championship promotion. After starting in Spain with Reus he has been at Espanyol since 2020, starting at their B team.
Last season he broke into the senior squad, making five appearances and scoring on the final day of the La Liga season with a goal in the 3-3 draw against Almeria.
Kompany has signed Zeki Amdouni, 22, from Swiss club Basel and has Michael Obafemi in his attack from last season. Koleosho will compete for a place in the team that starts the Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City next month.