Albion boss Chris Hughton has confirmed his interest in Anthony Knockaert and revealed his admiration for the attacking attributes of the French right-winger.

The Seagulls are believed to be close to completing a deal for the 24-year-old former Leicester wide man after his Belgian club Standard Liege announced last night a fee had been agreed.

Hughton said: "Certainly there has been an interest in him, that's something I would admit. He's a player that I very much like.

"He's a player that has got very good experience in England of the Championship in a very good side.

"You always look at foreign players coming to England who are able to adapt and he had a very good grounding at Leicester.

"There is no doubt he is an offensive player, somebody who can score goals and somebody that can assist."

Knockaert is understood to have flown to England last night from Liege's training camp in Spain, where they are preparing for the second half of their domestic campaign after a winter break.

According to Belgian newspaper HLN, Albion upped their offer from around £1.7 million to £2.6 million for Knockaert, who has scored five goals in 20 league games for Liege this season following 16 goals in 106 appearances in three seasons at Leicester.