Albion had SIX bids rejected by Bristol City for Sam Baldock before their persistence finally paid off.

Baldock finally joined the Seagulls on Wednesday on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

City’s chief executive John Pelling told the Bristol Post: “Sam was in the last year of his contract and Brighton started showing an interest in signing him in early July.

“We rejected six offers from them having entered this transfer window with the intention of keeping Sam.

“During the window we have got on with recruiting seven players to strengthen our first team squad.

“Brighton’s persistence has finally seen them come up with an offer which suited both the club and Sam.”