Three Brighton players very close to exit as Albion squad starts to take shape

Right-back Martin Montoya is said to be day or two away from completing his switch to join Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis.

Montoya, 29, previously played for the La Liga outfit in 2016 during a loan period from Barcelona and both parties are keen on a reunion.

Montoya joined Brighton from Valencia for £6m in 2018 and made 52 appearances for the Seagulls.

He made 23 starts under Graham Potter last season but the emergence of Tariq Lamptey, who impressed greatly for Brighton after lockdown, appears to have paved the way for Montoya's departure.

Former Man City and West Ham boss Pellegrini is keen to bolster the Betis defence following the exits of Zou Feddal to Sporting Lisbon and Antonio Barragan on a free transfer.

West Brom are reported to be in advanced talks with Brighton over a £1m deal to sign goalkeeper David Button.

Button, 31, joined Brighton in 2018 from Fulham and despite making just four appearances, the former Brentford man has been a reliable back up for No 1 goalkeeper Maty Ryan.

Sam Johnstone is the current first-choice goalkeeper at West Brom and Slaven Bilic is keen to add competition between the sticks following their promotion to the top flight.

Brighton could well be prepared to allow Button to depart as Christian Walton has returned from his successful loan spell at Blackburn.

The England under-21 international played in all 46 league matches last season, helping the The Riversiders to an 11th placed finish in the Championship.

Walton is expected to provide stiff competition for Ryan this coming season.

Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, 22, is also back on the south coast after his loan spell at Rochdale.

The transfer speculation around Shane Duffy continues with West Ham or Celtic said to be the most likely destination for the 28-year-old defender.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon admits he is keen to bring Duffy to the club.

"I think there's common knowledge that there has been interest that's been expressed," Lennon said.

Duffy's chances of first team action at Brighton have been limited further with Ben White returning from a successful loan spell at Leeds and the arrival of Dutch international Joel Veltman from Ajax.

Duffy was in Scotland yesterday with Brighton for a pre-season camp.

Meanwhile, under 23s midfielder Taylor Richards has joined Doncaster Rovers on a season-long loan

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