Albion have maintained their strong Republic of Ireland connection by signing Bohemians teenager Warren O'Hora for an undisclosed fee.

They are also poised to see off competition from Everton, Newcastle and Celtic for 16-year-old Hearts midfielder Marc Leonard.

O'Hora, 18, will link up with Simon Rusk's under-23s squad.

The Republic of Ireland under-19 international has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after impressing on trial.

Rusk said: "We're pleased to secure the services of Warren after he impressed during a couple of training sessions before Christmas.

"He's had some good experience playing in Ireland's Premier Division last season and he'll certainly add to the competition we already have in central defence."

O'Hora progressed through the Bohemians academy system to make 11 appearances for the first team in Ireland's top flight last season.

He featured for his country's under-19s in their European Championship Qualifier against Cyprus in October.

Albion have a history of snapping up Irish youngsters. Academy chief John Morling has strong links, having worked for the FAI before switching to the Seagulls six years ago.

Scottish under-17s international Leonard signed a three-year contract with Hearts last summer. He has trained with Craig Levein's first team squad.

Meanwhile, Swedish teenager Viktor Gyokeres has launched his "fun challenge" with Albion - to eventually play for them in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old striker made his debut as a second half substitute for the under-23s at Reading on Monday.

Gyokeres has finally joined the Seagulls from Brommapojkarna on a contract until June 2020.

They wanted to sign him in the summer but Brommapojkarna were keen to hang onto him to finish the Swedish season with them.

He helped the Stockholm-based club to the title in the Swedish second tier with 13 goals in 26 starts.

Gyokeres, speaking to SVT Sport, said: "It is clear that the step is great. The Premier League is the biggest league in the world, but as long as you develop and work hard you can do a lot. It will be a fun challenge.

"The big goal is to play in the Premier League. That's what I see before me."

Gyokeres has moved to the south coast with his girlfriend Amanda Nilden, who also plays.

He said: "Of course, the move is a change. You have no friends here yet. Nevertheless, I can speak English and do not need to learn a whole new language."