Albion have ended their eight-month search for a striker by completing the club record capture of Jurgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven.

The free-scoring Dutchman arrived on the south coast today for a medical and the paperwork formalities of a four-year deal which, with additional clauses, is worth in excess of £14 million.

That eclipses the £13.5 million paid to Brugge in the summer for Colombian winger Jose Izquierdo and increases the Seagulls' spending since promotion to the Premier League to well over £50 million.

Locadia, currently sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained last month, will be introduced to the crowd at tomorrow's game against Chelsea at the Amex (12.30).

He is likely to make his debut either at home to West Ham on February 3 or at Stoke a week later.

Albion missed out on a striker in the summer transfer window. Moves for Tammy Abraham, Raphael Dwamena, Florin Andone and Vincent Janssen fell through for a variety of reasons.

Locadia was also on their target list but cash-strapped PSV decided not to sell when he was about to join Wolves.

Albion manager Chris Hughton has been operating with Glenn Murray, Tomer Hemed and Sam Baldock, who has only recently returned from summer calf surgery.

The Seagulls are still outside the relegation zone in 16th but have won only once in their last 12 games and Hughton has been desperate to add pace and power to his attacking options.

Hughton said: "We are delighted to have signed Jurgen, and pleased to welcome him to the club. 

"He is a player we have been aware of for sometime, and it's been no secret we have wanted to add a striker of his type.

"He is a strong, powerful and quick centre-forward, with a real eye for goal and will increase our attacking options in the second half of the season.

"Jurgen already has a prolific goal record with PSV in the Dutch top division, and it is one we hope he can continue here with us in the Premier League."

Locadia, 24, has scored nine goals in 15 league matches for Eredivise leaders PSV Eindhoven this season, playing primarily through the middle or on either side of a 4-3-3.