Speculation over, Richie Towell makes the move everyone expected

Brighton & Hove Albion have snapped up the Airtricity League's hottest property, Richie Towell from Dundalk. The Irish PFA Player of the Year is set to join the Championship high-fliers on a two-and-half-year deal until 2018, but Albion will have to wait for the transfer window to reopen in January to complete the deal and register the move with the Football League. Subject to international clearance, Towell will be eligible to play for the Seagulls from 2nd January 2016, and manager Chris Hughton seems delighted with the signing.

"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."

Hughton revealed that several clubs had the 24-year-old on their radar, and not just English and Scottish outfits. However, Towell opted for Brighton and Hughton will allow him to get some much needed rest after a busy campaign in Ireland.

"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."