Sky Sports understands Leeds are closing in on a deal for Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith.

Brighton willing to offload striker

understands Leeds are closing in on a deal for Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith. The two clubs are locked in talks as they try to thrash out a deal for the Scotland international. Leeds boss Neil Warnock has made Mackail-Smith his top target as he looks to bolster his attacking options at Elland Road. A possible swap deal with Ross McCormack going to Brighton has been mooted, but it is believed a number of other clubs are chasing the former Cardiff man. Brighton are thought to be willing to offload Mackail-Smith despite paying a club record £2.5million to sign the player from Peterborough last summer. Mackail-Smith scored 10 goals for the Seagulls last term, but Gus Poyet is ready to sell him to bring in a new target man. Brighton are thought to be waiting to bring in a replacement before sanctioning the sale of Mackail-Smith.