By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

18th Mar, 2023 | 10:00am

Sources: Brighton open talks over double-your-money Mitoma new deal

Brighton have opened talks with Kaoru Mitoma over a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

The 25-year-old Japansese international has been a breakthrough star for the Seagulls this season, and Brighton are eager to reward his success with a bumper contract that will double his wages.

Mitoma’s current deal ranks among the smallest at the club, worth £20,000-per-week.

Brighton are prepared to double that figure and add an extra two-years to his contract, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until 2027.

A new contract for Mitoma was made top priority by the club’s board after tying star midfielder Moises Caicedo down to a long-term deal until 2027 earlier this month.

Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (17 March) that Brighton are also in advanced talks with Solly March over a new deal.

Talks are at an early stage but Mitoma is enjoying his football at Brighton and is keen to continue working under Roberto De Zerbi.

The talented winger joined the Seaguls in 2021 from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale and was immediately sent on loan to Union SG.

After returning to the south coast in 2022, Mitoma has quickly grown to become a key player for Brighton, scoring eight and assisting six times in 26 appearances.

Mitoma made a slow start to the season under Graham Potter, but his involvement in the first team quickly grew under De Zerbi, and he has played the full 90 minutes in eight of Brighton’s last 12 Premier League matches.

In other news, Southampton, Brighton and Leicester City in race to sign Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain