JOSE IZ THE BIZ

Seagulls in £13.5m deal

BRIGHTON have smashed their transfer record for the second time in a week by swooping for pint-sized winger Jose Izqueirdo in a £13.5m deal.

The Premier League new boys yesterday announced they had settled on a fee with Brugge to sign the 25-yearold, who has also agreed personal terms.

The 5ft 7in Colombian international will complete a move to the Amex Stadium once he has been granted a work permit.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton said: “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.

“He’s been an exciting player for Brugge and in the season he helped the club win the title in 2015/16, he was Belgium’s player of the year.

“Jose has good experience with almost 250 senior games in both Colombia and Belgium.

“He has played in the Europa League, Champions League and international football, having made his debut for his national team this summer.”

Brighton also want to land Zurich’s £8m-rated Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena, who netted 30 times in 38 ® outings last season. The signing of Izqueirdo eclipses the £10m Brighton paid for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Davy Propper on Monday.

Propper’s arrival was the second time the Seagulls had broken their transfer record this summer, after spending £5.2m on Valencia keeper Maty Ryan.

Meanwhile, Hughton has warned star man Anthony Knockaert he will not be able to take liberties in the Premier League.

Higher

Frenchman Knockaert, 25, was the Championship’s player of the year as he sent the Seagulls into the top flight for the first time in 34 years.

But Hughton, whose side kick off their campaign at home to Manchester City tomorrow, said: “Because of the type of player Anthony is, the first thing he will have to realise is the levels will be higher.

“He will be up against a better defender and some of the things he would have got away with last season he won’t now.

“He is young and still developing as player. One thing that won’t change is his ability. It is just the level of opposition stopping him producing.”