Albion have confirmed Niki Maenpaa is Finnished at Albion as they close in on Sunderland goalkeeper Jason Steele.

The Argus revealed last month that Maenpaa wanted to keep his options open, with his contract expiring.

Albion were keen to retain his services but the Finnish international sees his future elsewhere in search of more game time.

Manager chris Hughton said: "Niki has always been an excellent member of the squad and, although game time has been limited, he has been a great professional.

"We'd like to thank him for his contribution, both on and off the pitch, over the past three seasons."

Maenpaa, 33, made his only league start for Albion in the Championship in August 2016 after arriving from Dutch club VVV Venlo 13 months earlier.

He understudied David Stockdale in the second tier and dropped from second to third choice last season when Mathew Ryan replaced the departed Stockdale as No.1 in the Premier League and Tim Krul was signed as back-up.

Albion have not given up hope that free agent Krul will stay, although the Dutchman is likely to leave.

The Argus website broke news of the Seagulls' interest in 27-year-old former Middlesbrough and Blackburn short-stopper Steele on Tuesday.