Albion fringe defender Glen Rea has completed his long-touted move to League Two Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international from Brighton spent the final two months last season on loan at Kenilworth Road and has now made the switch to Bedfordshire permanent on a two-year deal.

He teams back up with keeper Christian Walton, who was signed by Hatters boss and ex-Albion coach Nathan Jones on loan for the season last week.

Albion manager Chris Hughton said: "Glen is a hungry young player who wants to be playing regular football and this is a great move for him at this stage of his career.

"With the other defenders we have at the club Glen was probably going to find it difficult to get as much game time as he would have liked.

"He enjoyed his time at Luton last season and, with Nathan in charge, it's the perfect opportunity for Glen to progress his career at an ambitious club.

"He has shown terrific desire and commitment since coming through the ranks and we all wish him well for the future."

Rea joined Albion’s Centre of Excellence at the age of ten , eventually earning his first professional contract at the start of the 2013-14 season.

He made his first team debut at the start of last season in a Capital One Cup victory at Southend and went on to make a further appearance in the next round against Walsall before joining Southend on loan, where he played 15 times.

Rea has so far won nine caps for the Republic of Ireland under-21s.

Albion visit Luton for a friendly on July 23.