Football: Brighton agree £16m club-record fee for Colombian winger Jose Izquierdo

ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Premier League newcomers Brighton and Hove Albion are poised to break their transfer record for the third time since June after announcing they have agreed a fee for winger Jose Izquierdo from Belgian side Club Brugge.

Media reports indicated that Brighton would pay Brugge an initial £13.5 million (S$23.9 million) for 25-year-old Izquierdo, with adds-ons potentially taking the total value up to £16 million.

Brighton said on Thursday that the deal for the Colombian international would be a new record for the club, but did not give the exact amount.

It said Izquierdo has also agreed personal terms with the club, although the deal is subject to a medical and him getting international clearances and a work permit.

The club broke their transfer record in June when they signed Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for a reported £5.2 million pounds from Valencia.

And on Monday, the club announced the signing of Dutch international midfielder Davy Propper from PSV Eindhoven for a fee reported by British media to be between £6-10 million.

"Jose is someone we have been aware of for some time and has been one of the standout players in the Belgian league over the past three years," Brighton boss Chris Hughton told the club website. (www.brightonandhovealbion.com)

"He's been an exciting player for Club Brugge and in the season he helped the club win the (Belgian league) title in 2015-16, he was also Belgium's player of the year."

Brighton kick off their Premier League campaign at home against Manchester City on Saturday (Sunday morning, Singapore time).

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