Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that a deal has been struck with Dundalk to sign reigning Irish PFA Player of the Year Richie Towell.
The 24-year-old will join the Seagulls on two-and-a-half-year contract, but will not link up with his new teammates until the transfer window reopens in a little over a month's time.
It marks an impressive week of business for Brighton, who also brought in Rajiv van La Parra and Manchester United starlet James Wilson on the final day of the emergency loan market.
Towell, linked to a number of teams in the Football League, will be eligible to play after January 2 should he receive the relevant clearance in time.
Speaking to the club's official website, Albion boss Chris Hughton commented: "Richie's had a wonderful season in Ireland and scored a lot of goals for the champions Dundalk from midfield, and that really caught our eye.
"He is something different to the number of very good midfield options we already have here at the club, and I am really looking forward to having him as part of our squad in the New Year. He had a lot of good options available for his next move; here in England, in Scotland, in Ireland with Dundalk and in Europe, so we are delighted he has decided to join us.
"He's played a full season since March, but has already made it clear he is keen to be ready to play in January, and keen to begin training with us as soon as possible. We will give him some time off for a well-deserved break, as he's played a lot of football in the past nine months, but I am certain he will be ready for us in January and will be an excellent addition to the squad."
Bristol Rovers were among the clubs looking to sign Towell, with manager Darrell Clarke recently admitting that he had been closely tracking the highly-rated midfielder for some time.
Daniel Lewis
