Brighton chasing Viktoria Plzen defender Ales Mateju as Chris Hughton continues summer spending spree
The Seagulls chief has set his sights on Czech Republic Under-21 star to bolster his squad ahead of the season
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BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton is planning to refresh the Premier League newcomers' squad — by signing a player from beer capital Pilsen.
The Seagulls chief has set his sights on Czech Republic Under-21 defender Ales Mateju, who plays for Viktoria Plzen.
Hughton has invited the right-back to the Amex Stadium for a trial next week — and is ready to pay £2.5million if the 21-year-old impresses.
Mateju has represented his country at all age levels from Under-16 upwards, and has already made 50 senior club appearances.
He joined Plzen from hometown club Pribram in 2015, helping them win the 2016 Liga title and finish second last term.
Mateju previously spent time in PSV Eindhoven's academy, and has been labelled his country's most promising prospect.
He now hopes to team up with Czech Republic winger Jiri Skalak, 25, who joined Brighton from Mlada Boleslav last year.
Plzen is the birthplace of Pilsner style lager, first produced in 1842.
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The Pilsner Urquell brand is widely enjoyed in the UK to this day.
Brighton have also added left-back Markus Suttner, midfielders Pascal Grob and Mathias Normannn plus Chelsea youngster Izzy Brown on loan.
And they are also alos ready to smash their transfer record for the £8million signing of Leicester's Tom Lawrence.
The Premier League new boys are hopeful of getting a deal for the Welsh international over the line.
Hughton already paid a club record fee for goalkeeper Mathew Ryan a month ago.
The South Coast side splashed out £5.1m to Valencia for the Australian.