Hatters sign Seagulls defender Rea

The 21-year-old, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, spent time on loan with the Hatters last season, playing 10 times after joining from the Seagulls in March.

Rea returned to the Sky Bet Championship club at the end of the campaign, who exercised their option to extend his contract for another year, meaning Luton have had to fork out a small fee for his services.

The Irish U21 international was at Ely Way for pre-season training today though as the deal finally went through, and manager Nathan Jones said: “We are delighted to have Glen here.

“He’s a player I know from working with him for three years at Brighton and we had him on loan here last season, when he did very well for us.

“He’s a player and a character that I’ve got a lot of time for, and I’m delighted to add him to the squad.

“It’s taken a while. All parties have wanted to do it. Brighton have been good, but obviously they had a valuation of the player that we’ve had to negotiate, and we’ve got there in the end. We’re really pleased to have him.”