Albion have confirmed the signing of Finland international goalkeeper Niki Mäenpää.

The 30-year-old former VVV-Venlo custodian completed his free transfer switch to the Seagulls today after a medical at the training complex in Lancing.

Mäenpää is staying at Lancing for the rest of the week to start pre-season training. He will link up with the first team early next week on their return from the French Alps and Geneva.

Boss Chris Hughton said: "We are pleased to welcome Niki to the club. It's no secret that I wanted another goalkeeper, alongside David Stockdale and Casper Ankergren, who will compete hard for that solitary first-team slot.

"Like all our other recruits this summer, Niki's got plenty of top-flight experience, including games at international level. Having already played in France and Holland, he is now keen to prove himself in English football."

Mäenpää began his career with French side RC Lens in 2003, featuring in their reserve side before spells in the Dutch second division with FC Den Bosch, in the top flight at Willem II and AZ Alkmaar in 2011 and with VVV-Venlo from 2012.

He had three seasons at Venlo, one in the top division and two in the second division, winning the player of the season award and helping them to the play-offs last season.

Mäenpää has been capped 24 times by his country after also representing them at under-21 and under-19 level.

Hughton added: "Niki's arrival allows us to loan out Christian Walton for regular first team action, which is a vital next step in his development.

"We know from last season that Christian is very capable, but he now needs more games.

"Christian needs to play regular senior football to get to the stage where he can realistically challenge for the goalkeeper's position in our first-team. I have no doubt he will do that here in the not too distant future."