Connor Wilkins, son of manager Dean, has signed for Albion on a two-year deal.

The 16-year-old from Brighton and Hove is one of seven scholars taken on by the Seagulls for next season.

Wilkins, 6ft.1in, joined the club's centre of excllence two years ago.

Martin Hinshelwood, the club's director of football, said: "Connor has been given a scholarship not because of who he is but what he can do.

"He can move the ball around very well in midfield. He hits good diagonal ball - short and long - and plays in midfield like Dean.

"Unlike he's dad, he's right footed. He also differs from Dean in that he can head the ball!

"It'll be hard for him because people might think he's got his scholarship because he's the manager's son but he has got to overcome that.

"He has the temperament to cope with it."

Five of the remaining scholars are from Sussex. They are goalkeeper Mitchell Walker (Crawley), defender Lee Cooper (Crawley), defender Lewis Dunk (Brighton and Hove), midfielder Ryan Thomson (Brighton and Hove), and midfielder James Smith (Eastbourne).

Winger Leon Wright, formerly of Charlton and from south London, makes up the intake.