Albion are set to add to their centre-half options by splashing out on a Bundesliga stopper.

The Seagulls are buying relegated Paderborn's 29-year-old captain Uwe Hunemeier for a fee in excess of around £1.4 million.

The deal is likely to be completed today, subject to Hunemeier passing a medical.

He is a product of Borussia Dortmund's academy and played 150 games for their reserves before a spell with Energie Cottbus.

The father-of-two, renowned for his leadership qualities, joined Paderborn in 2013.

The move is bound to renew speculation about the future of Albion centre-back Lewis Dunk.

Multiple bids for Dunk from Championship rivals Fulham have already been rejected by the Seagulls.

The Argus understands, however, that Hunemeier is being signed in addition to Dunk, rather than as his replacement.

Albion have been looking to fill a centre-half gap since releasing the experienced Aaron Hughes at the end of last season.

Dunk and fit-again captain Gordon Greer are currently the only established central defenders on Albion's books, with last season's under-21s skipper Glen Rea as back-up.

Greer, who missed part of pre-season through injury, and Rea are expected to partner each other at Southend tonight in the Capital One Cup.