Vitor Reis has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea previously (Image: Getty)
have submitted a new £23.5million bid for Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis, Express Sport understands.
The Seagulls have already seen two offers knocked back for the Brazilian centre-back and negotiations are ongoing over a deal for the 18-year-old, who has also been linked with , and .
Palmeiras have previously insisted in negotiations that Reis is not for sale unless a replacement could be signed as they prepare to compete at the Club World Cup later this year.
However, Brighton are hopeful that an improved offer will test the Brazilian outfit’s resolve after being impressed by Reis’ performances in his breakout season for Palmeiras, where he made 22 appearances in all competitions.
The Seagulls’ defensive depth has already caused manager Fabian Hurzeler problems due to injuries and the 10th-placed side are hoping to negotiate a deal that would see the teenager arrive this month if possible, rather than loaning him back for the remainder of the campaign – which has been discussed.
Brighton’s injury woes worsened on Thursday when summer signing Ferdi Kadioglu announced that he had undergone surgery on a toe injury that had ruled him out for the past two months.
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Brighton have been struggling with injuries so far this season (Image: Getty)
The Turkey international wrote on : “Over the past few months, I’ve been working hard to recover from an injury I initially believed would heal quickly. However, despite my efforts and the support of our medical team, the recovery process has taken longer than expected.
“After thorough evaluations, we have decided that undergoing an operation on January 2 is the best step forward to ensure a complete recovery.”
Brighton are already looking for another full-back option this month, with Tariq Lamptey in the final six months of his contract at the Amex Stadium and his future remaining unclear. Similarly, Joel Veltman is in the final year of his deal at the club, though there is a one-year option to extend his stay further.
Jakub Moder is also out of contract this summer and has been the subject of enquiries from European outfits in recent weeks.