Brighton and Leeds in £5m transfer tussle for Lazio's jet-heeled defender

Lukaku, 26, is the younger brother of former Everton, Manchester United and now Inter Milan striker Romelu.

Brighton are among a number of Premier League teams looking to strengthen at left back and the Seagulls face stiff competition from Aston Villa and Leeds for his signature.

Lukaku is keen on a move to the Premier League and feels it would enhance his chances of cementing his place in Roberto Martinez's Belgium squad.

The attacking full back joined Lazio for £3.5m in 2016 but saw his move to Newcastle fall through last January due to a knee injury.

The Belgian, who has eight international caps to his name, worked his way back to full fitness during lockdown and Lazio are said to willing to listen to offers of around £5m or a possible loan move.

Lukaku, who started his professional career at Anderlecht, is known for his speed and says American sprint star was his favourite sportsman when he was growing up.

Newcastle have since added £15m left back Jamal Lewis who signed from Norwich earlier this week but it remains a key area Albion are keen to strengthen.

6ft 7in centre back Dan Burn converted seamlessly to the world's tallest left back last season for Brighton and Solly March can play the wing back role.

Bernardo is the other option for head coach Graham Potter but the Brazilian struggled for game last campaign and has been linked with a possible move to West Ham or West Brom.

Brighton are also said to keen on Brentford's left back Rico Henry, while Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster remains firmly on their radar.