Brighton are sending summer signing Jan Paul van Hecke back to Holland for the new season.

The Seagulls snapped up the defender from NAC Breda for €2m and are sending him on-loan to SC Heerenveen for 12 months.

Heerenveen have confirmed the deal this morning.

"It is very nice that Jan Paul has chosen us," said Heerenveen technical manager Gerry Hamstra. "The fact that a Premier League club takes him over as a player from the Eredivisie says everything about the talent, the quality and the potential that Jan Paul has.

"With him, we are now more extensive in our choices at the back. Jan Paul is making a stormy development through, which he may continue with us."