Brighton defied the odds last season to ensure Premier League survival and another crack at the top flight for manager Chris Hughton. 

The Seagulls will be looking to make big improvements to their squad in the coming weeks, and with that will come spending some decent sums on players he feels will add something to his squad.

One player we at the Transfer Tavern think could be a good addition to the squad is Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell, who has been superb for the Blades over the last two seasons.

Playing on the left hand side of a three at the back, O'Connell has become one of the toughest defenders in the league, and is rarely beaten in one on one situations. Strong in the air too, O'Connell is a real presence at the back, and a move to a team like Brighton, who already have an excellent young defender in place in Lewis Dunk, would be a good switch.

While United are under no pressure to sell thanks to the big money sale of David Brooks, O'Connell would surely find a move to the top flight hard to resist, and under Hughton, we can see O'Connell really developing into a top class central defender at the highest level.

A quality performer at Championship and League One level, the next logical step for the former Brentford man is a move to the top flight, and Brighton could well be a match made in heaven.

Brighton and Blades fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!