Brighton forward Aaron Connolly has joined Serie B outfit Venezia on a season-long loan.

The Republic of Ireland international, 22, spent the second-half of last season at Middlesbrough.

Seagulls technical director David Weir said: "Aaron is in a position where he wants to play regularly, and this is a great opportunity for him to get games in Italy with Venezia.

"There is no doubting his ability, which he showed when he came into the team, and he has shown at the very top level.

"The challenge for him is to grasp this opportunity to continue his development, show consistency in his levels of performance and fulfil that obvious potential."