Albion are closing in on Charlton midfielder Dale Stephens as a replacement for the injured Andrew Crofts.

The Argus understands a deal to take Stephens from South London to the South Coast is at an advanced stage.

Bolton-born Stephens, 26, is out of contract at The Valley at the end of the season.

He has been with Charlton since signing from Oldham in 2011 and Aston Villa tried to buy him two summers ago.

Charlton play at Doncaster tonight but it is unclear whether or not Stephens, who has scored four goals in 29 games this season, will be involved.

The Seagulls need to cater for the absence for the rest of the season of the free-scoring Crofts. Albion's energetic Welsh international suffered a ruptured cruciate keen ligament in the recent home game against Birmingham.