Albion have beaten Premier League West Brom to the signing of former Chelsea striker Chike Kandi on a two-year development contract.

The Seagulls spotted Kandi playing against them in a friendly for West Brom.

They have signed the 19-year-old after a two-week trial, which included his competitive debut for Simon Ireland's Under-21s in Monday's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.

Ireland said: "He is an attacking player with pace and aggression and is something a bit different to what we have in that position.

"He spent two weeks with us and has experienced the facilities, seen the stadium and seen what is on offer in terms of coaching.

"He has had the opportunity to play in front of the gaffer, be involved in the games and training we've done with the first team training staff watching.

"In the two weeks he has been with us, he has understood what we are trying to achieve and the pathway we have here, and that if you're good enough to make it at the next level you will get the chance to step up.”

Hammersmith-born Kandi began his career at Birmingham before switching to Chelsea. His two-week spell with Albion also included appearing in a friendly against Southampton last week.

Kandi has represented Wales at youth level and also attracted Nigeria. He makes his home debut against Reading at the Sussex FA headquarters in Lancing on Monday night (7pm).