Wilfried Bony to join Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer?

Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly close to signing former Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old was released by the Swans at the end of last season after finishing the campaign with Qatari side Al-Arabi, where he scored five goals in seven appearances.

After failing to find a new club initially in England, the Ivory Coast international has recently been training with League Two side Newport County to maintain his fitness.

Now, BBC Sport reports that Graham Potter's Seagulls are closing on in a deal to bring the former Manchester City striker to the Amex.

Bony, who featured for his country at this summer's African Cup of Nations, made just seven appearances under the former Ostersunds boss at Swansea last season before his loan move to the Middle East.

Brighton, who are currently 16th in the Premier League after taking four points from their opening four games, have let both Jurgen Locadia and Florin Andone leave the club on loan in recent days, with Bony now believed to be a potential replacement.