Brighton and Hove Albion are very close to signing Will Buckley, the Watford Observer understands.

The Seagulls had initial bids for the 22-year-old, which were in excess of £500,000, turned down by the Hornets in mid-May but we understand the Hornets have now agreed a fee for the forward.

Buckley joined Watford from Rochdale in January 2010 for an undisclosed fee, although reports claiming it was a £300,000 move were strongly denied by both clubs - with the Hornets stating that figure would only be reached if Buckley and Watford were “successful” and the club were promoted.

The transfer was agreed by Watford’s former head of football business and development John Stephenson, who now holds a similar role at Brighton.

Buckley, who has two years left on his contract, made 37 appearances during the 2010/11 campaign and was exceptional during Watford’s seven-match winning run over the Christmas period, which played a big part in him being named the club’s Young Player of the Year.