Brighton close to signing Moises Caicedo replacement as they near £25million transfer for Lille’s Carlos Baleba

Brighton are close to completing the £25m signing of Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, talkSPORT understands.

The Seagulls look to have seen off rival interest from Nottingham Forest.

GettyBrighton are close to bringing in midfielder Baleba from Lille[/caption]

Baleba has been identified as Moises Caicedo’s replacementGetty

talkSPORT revealed last week that Roberto De Zerbi’s side had the talented 19-year-old on their radar.

Should Baleba make the move to the Amex Stadium, he would likely be Moises Caicedo’s replacement.

Brighton are on the lookout for a new central midfielder after selling the Ecuadorian to Chelsea for a British record £115million.

And at £25m, Brighton would have £90m to spare on any more potential incomings this month.

Baleba featured in 21 games for Lille last season in all competitions in what was his breakthrough campaign.

He has already appeared in two matches this term, with Lille picking up four points from a possible six.

It is understood that the Cameroonian will now travel to England to undergo a medical.

Brighton have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for European football for the first time.

GettyBrighton look set set to sign Baleba for £25million[/caption]

After signing Brazilian forward Joao Pedro from Watford for a club-record £30m, Brighton then brought in Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner on free transfers.

Belgian goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was then signed from Anderlecht for £16.3m, with centre-back Igor then arriving from Fiorentina for £15m.