Albion have moved a big step closer to signing Beram Kayal after the FA approved the deal.

The Seagulls have secured a work permit for the Israeli midfielder after appearing before an FA panel this morning.

They must now apply to the Home Office for a visa before registering the transfer with the Football League and receiving international clearance from the FA

Albion hope to have all that tied up in time for their game at Blackpool on Saturday.

Chief executive Paul Barber and manager Chris Hughton addressed an expert panel at Wembley to explain why they felt the FA should endorse the signing of Kayal, who has already passed a medical and agreed a two-and-half year deal.