Albion have completed the signing of experienced German centre-back Uwe Hunemeier on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old arrives from relegated Bundesliga outfit Paderborn for an undisclosed fee understood to be in the region of £1.75 million.

He will join his new team mates for training tomorrow as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

Hunemeier was skipper of Paderborn when they upset the odds in winning promotion to the Bundesliga two seasons ago ahead of bigger-budget outfits.

Now he aims to do the same at the Amex.

Albion boss Chris Hughton said: "I'm delighted to bring in someone of Uwe's experience. He has played at the top level in German football and we all know how high the standards are there.

"He has good leadership qualities and, along with his quality, he will add a great deal to our defensive options. He is of a really good age to integrate into the team and squad.

"He is a very popular player at SC Paderborn and it would be easy for him to remain there but he wants a new challenge, he wants that to be in England and he has shown a great desire to join us."