Dale Stephens could complete a move to Burnley today after Sean Dyche’s side agreed an initial £1 million fee with Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, according to reports.
The 31-year-old may be a modern-day legend on the South Coast but, after helping Brighton earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time before establishing them among the elite, an emotional farewell is edging closer.
Burnley failed with six (yes, six) bids for Stephens in summer 2016.
Brighton even turned down an £8 million offer at the time. Four years on, however, the Seagulls are prepared to accept £1 million, although the deal could reach £2.5 million with add-ons (Burnley Express).
The report adds that Stephens will sign a two-year deal at Turf Moor.
The Argus backs up those claims, stating the former Charlton ace will undergo a medical in London during Burnley’s Carabao Cup clash with Millwall.
He could even make his Burnley debut during Saturday night’s Premier League clash with Southampton.
Stephens was a key player at Brighton last season with Graham Potter, a forward-thinking, possession-orientated tactician, admiring his quality on the ball and tactical intelligence.
But the ageing veteran has slipped behind the younger, quicker Yves Bissouma and Steven Alzate on the team sheet, with Adam Lallana’s arrival from Liverpool pushing him further down the pecking order.
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