Rea: Hatters were the only club for me

The 21-year-old had a successful loan spell at Kenilworth Road last term, as he made 10 appearances, impressing greatly during that time.

With the Seagulls taking up the option of another year on Rea’s contract, it meant Luton were required to fork out an undisclosed fee if they wanted to secure his services on a permanent basis.

They duly did, as boss Nathan Jones was determined to get his man, and despite Rea receiving offers from elsewhere, speaking to the News/Gazette, he admitted he only ever wanted a return to Luton.

Rea said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to come back, this was the only place I really wanted to come, so it’s great for me.

“I had a good loan spell, we didn’t finish where we wanted to, but for myself personally I had a good spell.

“It (his time) was up at Brighton, so coming here was perfect for me.

“I had a bit of interest, but there was no other place I wanted to go, I knew I was going to come here, this was my first choice.

“The club showed interest and I’m just buzzing, I just want to do well for the manager, do well for the fans, do well for myself.”

Re-joining Hatters boss Nathan Jones was a huge reason behind his decision too and on just why Rea wanted to work for the Town chief once more, he continued: “Everyone’s on board with what he wants to do, he wants to play football, so hopefully we can have a good season.

“I really like his passion for the game, he wants to do well for himself, he wants to better his management career and he wants everyone else to do well. He’s a great coach to work under as he’ll get the best out of you. I firmly believe that he’ll get the best out of everyone this season.

“I really like him as a coach, really like him as a manager and can’t wait to start playing under him.”