Brighton and Hove Albion are on the verge of agreeing terms with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud, according to reports.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. So, he will join the Seagulls on a free transfer if everything goes to plan.

Arsenal have previously been linked with a move for Dahoud, too, but it seems Brighton have now won the race for his signature.

Roberto de Zerbi has overseen another impressive season for Brighton, with his team currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League table.

As a result, the south coast club are in with a chance of qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history. And, it’s fair to say their recent success has been characterised by excellent recruitment.

Indeed, the Seagulls’ current squad cost a total of around £150m – the cheapest in the division bar Brentford. Nevertheless, they have picked up some remarkable results this season.

Now, they are looking to build a squad that can maintain a their place at the top of the table.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are on the verge of signing Dortmund midfielder Dahoud, who, as mentioned, is out of contract at the end of the season.

On Twitter, he said: “Brighton are closing in on verbal agreement to sign Mahmoud Dahoud as free agent. Deal’s now very advanced, waiting to fix final details and then sign documents.

“Could be 3rd signing after João Pedro [done] and Milner [almost done] — if all goes to plan.”

Indeed, it’s clear De Zerbi is already planning for next season. James Milner, who has been a fantastic player for Liverpool over the years, is also set to join Brighton on a free transfer.

Joao Pedro, on the other hand, will cost the Seagulls £30m. Romano revealed last Friday the Watford attacker’s switch to the Amex is now finalised.

So, Brighton have allegedly made three valuable additions before the transfer window has even opened.

The signing of Dahoud could suggest, though, that Brighton are planning ahead for the departure of at least one of their centre-mids.

For instance, Alexis Mac Allister has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool. The Argentine has been one of the Seagull’s most important players this season, too, so he will be a huge loss.

Also, Moises Caicedo has made no secret about his intention to play for a bigger club in the future. The Ecuadorian is under contract at the Amex until 2027. However, interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City has never really gone away.

Dahoud and Milner could potentially fill in for the duo next season, although, Milner certainly isn’t a long term option, given he is already 37.

For now, Brighton’s focus will be on finishing as high as possible in the Premier League table. But, it’s clear De Zerbi has one eye on next season.

READ MORE: Big Weekend: Arsenal v Brighton, Guardiola, Man Utd, Leicester’s Maddison, EFL play-offs

The article Brighton in ‘advanced’ talks with Dortmund star as De Zerbi masterminds triple transfer coup appeared first on Football365.com.