Brighton & Hove Albion have allegedly opened talks with Sunderland about signing goalkeeper Jason Steele.

The Seagulls are seeking a new stopper as Tim Krul and Niki Maenpaa are likely to leave the club this summer in search of first-team football, reports Sky Sports News.

Steele is expected to provide back-up to Australia international Mathew Ryan at Brighton, if the Premier League club are successful in their approach.

The former England U21 international has made more than 250 appearances in the Championship for Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough, but is aiming to get his career back on track following two successive relegations.

Sunderland signed Steele last summer for £500,000 when Blackburn were relegated to League One.