Albion new boy Pascal Gross will give Chris Hughton midfield options.

That is the verdict of Seagulls fan and German football expert Jonathan Harding as he welcomes his club’s new addition.

Gross will prepare to link up with Albion on a four-year deal after completing the Bundesliga season with Ingolstadt against Schalke tomorrow.

Harding, who comes from Chichester, advises television pundits such as Adam Virgo, the former Albion skipper, on German teams and players.

He said: “I’m delighted, quite apart from me being a Brighton fan. The move makes sense.

“Gross has excellent vision, his passing skills are on point and he is dangerous at set-pieces. He can play different roles in the centre.

“Chris Hughton will want him as a playmaking No.8 or possibly as a No.10.

“He will allow them to keep Anthony Knockaert out wide and his passing is very consistent.

“He averages a 70% accuracy rate over more than 30 games, which is extraordinary. “I think it is a very exciting move.”

Hughton told The Argus this week a No.10-type player was a priority for the Premier League season.

Harding added: “He could be that No.10 but I also see him in a 4-4-2 offering a midfield threat.

“I could certainly envisage him in a 4-4-2 next to Dale Stephens.”