Brighton's key midfielder 'close to exit' ahead of Manchester United clash

Albion's experienced midfielder Dale Stephens looks set to complete a move to Premier League rivals Burnley.

Sean Dyche is a long-term admirer of Stephens and tried to land the Albion man following their promotion to the Premier League in 2016

Stephens, 31, featured for Brighton in the 4-0 Carabao Cup victory against Portsmouth last week but wasn't in the matchday squad at Newcastle.

The Clarets are short of options in midfield following the departure of Jeff Hendrick to Newcastle, while Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Jack Cork are out with injuries.

Stephens, who is from Lancashire, was a key man for Graham Potter at the start of last season but a niggling injury and loss form hindered his progress. His contract at Albion expires in June 2021.

Brighton do have options in midfield areas with Steven Alzate, Yves Bissouma, Jayson Molumby and Davy Propper all available and Ben White capable of stepping up from defence and playing as a defensive midfielder.

Bissouma, however will miss the next three matches following his bizarre red card at Newcastle. “Of course we are going to miss him (Bissouma) but there is an opportunity now for somebody else in the group and I’m sure that whoever comes in will do well," said Potter.

Brighton are at Preston in the Carabao this Wednesday and return to Premier League action against Man United at the Amex Stadium this Saturday.