Brighton negotiating Igor Julio loan as Schalke push for deal

Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly negotiating a loan deal with Schalke for Igor Julio as the Seagulls look for a solution to the defender's uncertain future.

The 28-year-old has already agreed terms with the German club, and Schalke are pushing to complete the transfer in time for the start of pre-season training.

Brighton are now open to a temporary move without an option to buy because they believe a season in the Bundesliga could help Julio rebuild his market value.

According to journalist Marlon Irlbacher, Brighton and Schalke are currently discussing a season-long loan for the Brazilian centre-back.

The proposed agreement would not include an option to buy.

Brighton's plan is to give Julio the opportunity to play regularly in Germany before potentially selling him for a higher fee next summer.

However, the Seagulls have not yet given the defender final clearance to complete the move. Further talks are expected shortly as the two clubs continue working towards an agreement.

Julio's side of the deal should not be a problem. The Brazilian has had an agreement in place with Schalke since June and appears ready to make the move.

Schalke are hoping to have the centre-back available from the beginning of pre-season training.

The German club have been working on a deal for several weeks, although Julio initially appeared too expensive for them.

Previous reports suggested Brighton were willing to help find a solution, and the possibility of a loan has now provided a potential breakthrough.

For Schalke, a temporary deal would allow them to strengthen their defence without committing to a major permanent transfer fee.

For Brighton, the benefits are different. Regular football could restore some of Julio's value after a difficult period in England.

Julio does not appear to have a significant role in Brighton's plans moving forward.

The defender failed to make a single appearance for the Seagulls last season before joining West Ham on loan during the January transfer window.

The hope had been that his move to the Hammers would eventually become permanent.

However, West Ham's relegation ended that possibility and left Brighton searching for another solution this summer.

A loan to Schalke would delay a permanent decision for another year, but Brighton believe it could leave them in a stronger position when Julio returns.

If he plays regularly and performs well in the Bundesliga, the Seagulls could attract more interest and demand a higher fee next summer.

The absence of a purchase option is an important part of the proposed deal.

Brighton do not appear willing to give Schalke the opportunity to secure Julio permanently at a fixed price if his value rises during the season.

Instead, the Seagulls want to retain control of his future.

That makes the loan a short-term solution for both clubs. Schalke get an experienced centre-back, while Brighton give a player outside their plans the opportunity to rebuild his reputation.

The remaining issue is Brighton's final approval.

Brighton and Schalke are expected to continue negotiations as the German club push to complete the transfer before pre-season begins.

Julio already has an agreement with Schalke, meaning the final decision rests with the two clubs.

If Brighton give their approval, the Brazilian will spend another season away from the Amex Stadium as the Seagulls hope regular Bundesliga football can increase his market value before a possible permanent sale next summer.

Is a loan to Schalke the right move for Igor Julio, or should Brighton look to sell him permanently now?