Albion are close to signing long-serving Scunthorpe midfielder Matt Sparrow after he rejected a new contract with the Championship club.

The Argus understands Sparrow is one of three players the Seagulls are hoping to conclude deals with by the time the players report back on Monday for pre-season training.

The 28-year-old has made almost 400 appearances for Scunthorpe.

Boss Gus Poyet is keen to strengthen the midfield following skipper Andrew Crofts' move to Norwich and Dave Prutton's decision to sign for Swindon instead rather than Albion.