Albion's new No. 1 David Stockdale says he could not resist the chance to join the Seagulls’ Premier League set-up.

Stockdale has moved to the Amex for around £1 million on a three-year contract after 21 appearances in the Premier League for relegated Fulham last season.

The 28-year-old Yorkshireman said: “Albion have got a lot of history and they’ve come such a long way in the last five years, and after speaking to everyone at the club I was delighted to come.

“Everyone spoke about where the club’s heading and the manager said we’re a club with Premier League facilities, and we’re now striving to get there as a team.

“When someone comes to you and says they want you to be a part of that and we’re willing to pay a significant fee, and then help you on our way with the facilities and infrastructure, how can you turn down a chance to play at a club like this?

“It’s nice for Brighton to show faith in me as a player. They’ve paid an awful lot of money for me and hopefully I can pay it back and help the club get into the Premier League next year.”

The capture of Stockdale, who still had a year left on his contract at Fulham, ends Albion’s wide-ranging search for a replacement for Tomasz Kuszczak since the Pole was released in May.

Their target list included Jack Butland, Kieren Westwood and Stephen Henderson but the move for Stockdale was aided by manager Sami Hyypia’s fellow Finn and goalkeeping coach Antti Niemi, who worked alongside him at Fulham.

Hyypia said: “It is a transfer we have been working on for some time and David is a goalkeeper with excellent pedigree. He has got very good experience of the Premier League and Championship but at 28 is in his prime.

“Alongside Casper Ankergren and Christian Walton, David’s arrival means we are satisfied with our goalkeeping options ahead of the new season.

“We still have some work to do in other areas in terms of recruitment but we are making good progress and this is an excellent signing and another quality addition to the squad.”

Stockdale’s decision to quit Fulham for Albion has been backed by ex-Seagull Steve Sidwell.

Midfielder Sidwell, now with Stoke, tweeted to his former Fulham team-mate: “A great club from top to bottom. All the best and have a great season.”

Meanwhile, Albion are taking another look at Cameroon defensive trialist Roderigue Ndiane in a development team friendly at Arundel tonight (7.45pm).