JOSE IZQUIERDO has been tipped to “make a difference” for Albion as he completes his move to the Premier League.

Former team-mate Mathew Ryan believes the speedy Colombian can have an impact on and off the pitch.

Izquierdo is in Paris securing a visa after his work permit application was approved yesterday.

He could be officially unveiled as the Seagulls’ record signing by the weekend with next Tuesday’s visit from Barnet in the Carabao Cup looking a possible date for his debut.

Izquierdo was a colleague of Ryan’s at Club Brugge and the pair have remained close.

The Albion goalkeeper told The Argus: “He is a character within the team. He likes to have a joke and laugh.

“But, on the pitch, he has that ability to make a difference.

“He will be a good guy to have around the team and hopefully we have plenty of moments on the pitch that make a difference.

“Away from football he loves to do a bit of DJ-ing.

“He’s a typical South American – the dancing in the changing room, the music and things like that.”

Sevilla wanted to sign Izquierdo this summer but were unable to meet the asking price.

The player’s representatives also reported bids from Sevilla and Hamburg last year.

Ryan recognises the Colombian will face a challenge as he looks to make his name in a top European league.

But he believes Izquierdo has a diligent approach to work which is at odds with that happy-go-lucky exterior.

He added: “In his time at Brugge he played on the left as a right-footer and looked to come in.

“He’s a quality player and he has proved that in the Belgian League.

“Obviously this is another step up here and it will be a great challenge. Hopefully for everyone involved he can bring something extra here.”

Izquierdo plans to return at FC Brugge at some point next week to say his goodbyes.

The Belgian club have publicly wished the player good luck for his career in the Premier League.

Albion still require international clearance and Izquierdo has not yet been allowed to train with his new colleagues.

Boss Chris Hughton will be keen to get him settled into the team pattern before unleashing him on the Premier League.

Meanwhile Albion are keeping tabs on Cardiff striker Kenneth Zohore after Hughton watched him in action against Sheffield United on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Dane has been on their radar for some time but a bid is not thought to be imminent.