Albion are trying to fight their way through red tape to clinch the signing of Beram Kayal in time for Arsenal’s FA Cup visit.

Celtic’s Israeli midfielder will complete his move to the Seagulls today on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, subject to passing a medical and the club securing a work permit.

Although Kayal has a European passport, permit regulations mean he needs clearance to work in England, despite playing in Scotland for the last four-and-a-half-years.

Albion are optimistic it will not be an obstacle to sealing the capture of Kayal, who has been capped by his country 26 times.

He would then be available for Sunday’s fourth round clash against the Gunners at the Amex (4pm), providing the medical is passed by noon today.

The deal, revealed on The Argus website yesterday afternoon, will satisfy manager Chris Hughton’s wish for an experienced defensive midfielder. Kayal, 26, has made Champions League and Europa League appearances during a 131-game stay at Celtic since joining them from Maccabi Haifa in 2010.

Manchester United were among his admirers in the early stages of his Celtic career, which has more recently been hampered by injuries and the change of manager at Parkhead.

Kayal, out of contract at the end of the season, has gradually fallen out of favour since Norwegian Ronny Deila succeeded Neil Lennon last summer, dropping behind Scotland skipper Scott Brown and fellow Israeli Nir Bitton in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Albion’s interest in French midfield trialist Jeremy Balmy is on hold until a successor is confirmed for QPR-bound under-21s coach Simon Ireland.

Balmy, 20, made his second appearance for the under-21s in part of a friendly against Southend on Tuesday.

He was almost signed by the Seagulls on a development contract two-and-a-half-years ago before joining Notts County.