Brighton are poised to confirm the signing of Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors after he had a medical yesterday.
The highly-rated 19-year-old, who can also play as a winger, is with Argentina's Under-23 squad.
He has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
Manchester City showed an interest in hijacking the Seagulls' swoop for the youngster, who is a Boca Juniors regular, before Brighton sealed the deal.
The Seagulls' scouting network in the Americas has helped them land numerous emerging talents over the years.