Albion are keen on Mali international midfielder Yves Bissouma from French Ligue 1 club Lille.

The Argus can confirm reports in France of the Seagulls' interest in Bissouma.

L’Équipe claim the Seagulls are in the final stages of negotiations over a near £18 million transfer package deal but The Argus understands this figure is wide of the mark.

Central midfield strengthening is a priority for Albion manager Chris Hughton.

Dale Stephens and Davy Propper dominated the positions last season and Hughton only has Israeli international Beram Kayal as back-up after injury-plagued Steve Sidwell was released.

Bissouma has been linked previously with Spurs, Everton, Schalke and Monaco.

Fulham are also reportedly keen on the 21-year-old, who signed a new contract until 2021 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in March last year after joining Lille from Mali club AS Real Bamako in March 2016 and playing initially for the reserves.