FORMER Celtic and Hibs reject Richie Towell could be on his way to the English Premier League after moving a step closer to signing for Championship joint leaders Brighton.
The 24-year-old Dundalk star is a wanted man after netting 25 goals from midfield and being named Irish Player of the Year.
And, after turning down offers from Turkey, Poland and the USA, Towell seems set to join high-flying Brighton after holding talks with manager Chris Hughton.
It's a far cry from two years ago when Towell – who was released by Celtic – was told he could return to his homeland by then-Hibs boss Pat Fenlon.
And he's considering his next move. He said: "I’m still just weighing up everything. Brighton are one of the clubs that is interested and they are a good club, with a good pedigree and a lovely stadium and things like that.
"But it’s not just one club. Dundalk are still in the picture and I’m not ruling anything out because it’s not done until it is signed on the dotted line. I just have to weigh everything up and see what happens.
"I want to go straight in and play. The manager, no matter what team it’s at, will have his team and his players but I don’t think he’ll be bringing me in to play reserve football. I’m 24 now and I’d like to imagine that I’d be in contention straight away."
Hughton admits he's an admirer of Towell.
He said: "Richie’s had a wonderful season so he’s one that yes, of course, we are aware of but we’re conscious that lots of other clubs are also aware of him.
"His performance and what he’s been able to achieve in that season, I think he’s done very, very well for himself but he’s a player that, yes, we are aware of."
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