Albion have kicked off their pre-deadline transfer activity in style - by signing Dale Stephens.

The midfielder this afternoon completed his much-anticipated move from Charlton Athletic.

He has agreed a deal through until June 2017 and heads to The Amex for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old will add energy to midfield which was lost when Andrew Crofts suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month.

Albion are believed to have paid £500,000 for the player.

The Seagulls had a £1million bid turned down for midfielder Adam Clayton at the weekend according to a Huddersfield source.

Head coach Oscar Garcia believs he will suit Albion’s style of play – and has been given extra insight by his assistant Nathan Jones, who worked with the player at The Valley.

Oscar said: “He's the type we like and want to bring to this club - dynamic, energetic and technically good.

“His character is good and he will fit well with the excellent squad we already have here.


 

"We know we are bringing a good player. Nathan has worked with Dale closely at Charlton and we have also done our analysis and research. I like what I have seen and I am sure he will suit our style, enjoy the way we want to play and help us.

"He has played many senior games already and knows the Championship but he is also still young, and is very hungry to succeed. I am sure he will prove an excellent addition to our squad."

Stephens was born in Bolton and played for Bury, Oldham and Rochdale before heading south.

He has scored four goals in 30 games this term.