Brighton have clinched the signing of NAC Breda defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Van Hecke joins Brighton on a three-year contract.

Seagulls chief Dan Ashworth declared: "He is a great talent, a powerful defender who is comfortable with the ball and is good in possession.

"He will be loaned out to a club in Europe in the coming season to continue his development. We will follow him closely in the coming season."

Just a year ago, Van Hecke came close to joining AS Monaco.