Albion pulled off a coup in the final hours of the Premier League transfer window by adding Spanish defender Martin Montoya to their Premier League squad.

They captured the 27-year-old right-back from Valencia for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The Seagulls saw off competition from Fulham and two other La Liga clubs for Montoya, who will join forces again at the Amex with ex-Valencia team-mate Mathew Ryan.

The arrival of Montoya, formerly with Barcelona and Inter Milan, puts a question mark over the future of Ezequiel Schelotto (below).

The Argus: Fellow Spaniard and veteran skipper Bruno, also signed from Valencia six years ago, is currently Albion's first-choice right-back.

Montoya will be their 18th non-homegrown player and they are only allowed 17 in the Premier League squad.

Third-choice left-back Markus Suttner and fringe striker Tomer Hemed have squad numbers as well as Schelotto.

A permanent move for Hemed to Queens Park Rangers did not materialise before yesterday's 5pm deadline.

The Israeli target man could still go back to the Championship on loan with a view to a permanent deal up until the end of August.

The same applies to midfielder Oliver Norwood, a target for several Championship clubs, and Richie Towell, who is wanted back by Rotherham and by a League One side.

Montoya has agreed a four-year contract with Albion.

Boss Chris Hughton said: "Martin's pedigree is excellent and I'm delighted we have been able to add a player of his standing to our squad. There is no doubt he will improve our options in the right-back position.

"He's won several domestic and European honours in Spain and played the majority of his career in the top level of La Liga. He has a wealth of experience, at 27 years old he is a very good age, and I'm now looking forward to working with him."

Hailing from Catalonia, Montoya spent nine years in the academy at Barcelona's Nou Camp before graduating to the club's B side in 2009. He broke into the senior line-up in 2011 and made 67 appearances as understudy to Dani Alves, helping the club to seven trophies including the Champions League and three La Liga titles.

Montoya spent the 2015-16 season on loan with Inter Milan and Real Betis before moving to Valencia in 2016 where he made more than 50 appearances across the past two seasons.