Dale Stephens has ended fears over his Albion future by signing a new four-year contract.

The influential midfielder put pen to paper today before jetting off with the rest of the squad from Heathrow to Las Vegas to celebrate the Seagulls' promotion to the Premier League.

Stephens told The Argus: "It's brilliant. I'm happy to finally get it done and get it over the line today.

"I can concentrate now on the summer with Brighton and look forward to our campaign next season."

Albion turned down six bids from Burnley last summer for Bolton-born Stephens.

The frustrated 27-year-old handed in a transfer request in the final hours of the transfer window but he has knuckled down to help the club to promotion as runners-up to Newcastle.

Boss Chris Hughton said: "I am absolutely delighted. I was confident once we secured promotion that he would stay with the club, as he really enjoys playing here.

"Dale has been brilliant ever since I arrived. It was well documented last summer that he had a desire to play in the Premier League, which was understandable, but he put that to one side, has shown a great level of professionalism and was an integral part of the team which won promotion.

"He has been an absolute pleasure to work with and he will be an important part of our squad next season."

Stephens has made 100 Championship appearances and scored 13 goals since joining Albion from Charlton in January 2014.