Brighton are closing on a deal with FA technical chief Dan Ashworth.

The Telegraph says Brighton are on the cusp of appointing Ashworth as their new technical director in a blow to Gareth Southgate.

It will also be potentially damaging to the FA as Ashworth has been targeted by Brighton as a key hire with a growing belief they will bring their man to the south coast in the next few weeks.

The 47-year-old has been a target for a number of clubs in England since the summer, when England's World Cup campaign provided his reputation with a massive boost.

He was previously in a similar role at West Brom and has been considering a return to club football for a while.