Albion are keen on Sheffield United centre-back Jack O’Connell as they aim to finalise their squad for the new Premier League season.

The Seagulls are reported to be preparing a £6m bid for the 24-year-old Liverpudlian.

The Argus can confirm Albion’s interest in O’Connell, who signed a long-term deal at Bramall Lane last November taking him through until June, 2022.

Chris Hughton has three specialist central defenders on board following the arrival of Leon Balogun and departures of Uwe Huenemeier and Connor Goldson.

Highly-rated youngster Ben White, who shone on loan for Newport County, played in the pre-season friendly at St Gallen as Albion and is seen as one for the future.

Albion will aim to go into the new campaign with four senior central defenders and have already bid for Reading’s Liam Moore this summer.

O’Connell helped Sheffield United to promotion from League One two seasons ago and was ever-present in the Championship last term.

Albion's next piece of business is expected to be the arrival of Percy Tau from Mamelodi Sundowns, although he is not likely to be part of their Premier League squad.