Brighton boss Chris Hughton agrees £16.6m swoop for Fiorentina forward Khouma Babacar

Deal seemed set to collapse after the Seagulls had an £11.5m bid rejected - but the Senegal star is now on his way to the Prem

BRIGHTON have struck a deal to sign Fiorentina striker Khouma Babacar.

The 24-year-old Senegalese striker has agreed a £16.6million move to the Falmer Stadium after Albion came in with an improved second bid.

Fiorentina turned down an £11.5million offer from the Seagulls earlier today and it appeared the ambitious move had collapsed.

However manager Chris Hughton returned for Babacar who has now agreed to join the newly-promoted Premier League club.

The Senegalese striker has fallen down the Viola’s pecking order following the arrival of Giovanni Simeone and Cyril Thereau.

At first, Babacar vowed to stay in Italy and fight for his place.

However the striker, who was a product of Fiorentina’s Academy has now decided to head for England and a fresh start under Hughton.

He will add some much needed firepower to the Seagulls, after scoring 14 goals in 31 competitive games last season for the Serie A side.

Hughton will be relieved to finally get his man as Glenn Murray and Sam Baldock are currently sidelined.

And he has also been trying to land Newcastle keeper Tim Krul on a season's loan.

The unwanted Dutchman, 29, who is also wanted by Nottingham Forest, has been training with the Toon reserves.

Krul's loan spells last term with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar failed to impress Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez enough to keep him.

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