Southend's player of the season Nathan Jones is on his way to Albion.

The left-sided Welsh defender is expected to sign for the Seagulls on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling after rejecting United's offer of a new one-year contract.

The Argus revealed last month that Albion manager Micky Adams was making a move for Jones.

The 27-year-old will provide competition for Kerry Mayo, the Seagulls' first choice leftback since Christmas.

Jones joined Southend on a free transfer from Spanish club Nomincia in August 1997 following spells at Luton and Scarborough.

He grabbed a last-gasp winner for Southend in their 2-1 home defeat of Albion last November, then was sent-off in the return meeting at Withdean in March.

Jones could now make his debut for the Seagulls against his old club on the opening day of the season.

Southend are the opponents for Adams' men at Roots Hall on August 12.

Jones is Adams' fourth signing of the summer, joining winger Paul Brooker from Fulham, goalkeeper Michels Kuipers from Bristol Rovers and midfielder Richard Carpenter from Cardiff.