Luton snap up Seagulls defender on loan

The 21-year-old arrives in time to be included in the Hatters squad to face Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, where he has been given shirt number five.

Primarily a centre-half, Brighton-born Rea has come through the academy ranks at the Amex Stadium and made his senior debut for the Seagulls in the League Cup earlier this season.

He has had a loan spell at League One Southend, playing 16 times, while is well known to Town boss Nathan Jones who was first team coach with the Seagulls prior to being appointed Hatters manager.

On the signing, Jones said: “Glen’s someone we’ve had on our radar for a while. We enquired about him a while ago as he’s a player I know very well having worked with him for not far off two and a half years.

“He’s a player we like, is a player who’s very versatile, can play in a number of positions, but he fits into what we want here. He’s young, he’s hungry, he’s fit, very mobile, and he’s a player who I rate very highly.

“It’s taken a while to get him as Brighton have had a few injury worries, so we had to be patient on that one, but if they’re the right people, we will be patient on those.

“Predominately has played a lot of his games at centre half and right back, so he ticks a number of boxes for us. He’s the type he want, the ambition that we want and we’re pleased to have finally done it.”

Rea is a Republic of Ireland U21 international, and has been called-up for their Euro U21 qualifiers against Italy and Slovenia over Easter, which means he will miss the trip to Barnet. but Jones believe it is a worthwhile addition.

He added: “Going into the last 10 games is a crucial period and you never know what’s going to happen, but when we get opportunities to sign good players we take that opportunity where we can, where budget allows.

“The club has been fantastic as I haven’t asked them for a load of stuff, but when I’ve asked them for certain things they’ve backed me all the way.

“I wanted to get Glen in earlier to provide that competition in areas that we feel we need competition, so we’re delighted to have him and going into the last 10 games I’m sure he will provide not only cover and competition but a boost to the squad.”