Brighton are interested in signing Oxford United defender Stephan Negru.
According to the Irish Mirror, Negru’s early season form for the League One outfit has caught their attention, and now they are ‘monitoring’ him.
Brighton have sent scouts to watch Negru and have been impressed by what they have seen so far.
The Seagulls have been looking at League One for defensive reinforcements after repeatedly having multiple bids rejected for Derby centre-back Eiran Cashin.
With their pursuit in Cashin unsuccessful so far, due to Derby’s resistance to letting go of another of their Irish stars after letting Jason Knight go to Bristol City earlier in the window, it appears they have found a backup option in Negru.
Brighton are still expected to make another bid for Cashin.
Who is Stephan Negru and what’s the latest on Eiran Cashin?
Negru is 21-year-old centre-back who can represent both Republic of Ireland and Moldova internationally through his parents.
He started out in Ireland for Shelbourne before joining Oxford United in January for an undisclosed fee.
So far this season he has made three appearances in League One after an injury to fellow defender Jordan Thornily, and has impressed.
Last week however, Derby manager Paul Warne did admit that Derby may have to sell their star man if their valuation of him is met.
They reportedly value him at £3 million, whilst they would also want him to be loaned back to the Rams for the rest of this season. Cashin only has one year left on his contract at Pride Park.
“There have been bids in for Cash and it has been going on for a period of time,” Warne said.
“They have been increasing and as I speak to you now, none of them have been accepted.It hasn’t reached the club’s valuation of the player – so he is currently still ours. I want what is right for him, but not above what is right for the football club and he knows that.”