Brighton sign former Leicester winger Anthony Knockaert

Scott Anderson
Anthony Knockaert: Newcastle link

Anthony Knockaert: Newcastle link

Brighton have completed the signing of former Leicester midfielder Anthony Knockaert from Standard Liege for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old has signed for the Sky Bet Championship side on a three-and-a-half year deal and will be looking to guide them to Premier League promotion, with the Seagulls currently fourth in the table.

Knockaert helped Leicester City gain promotion to the Premier League and played for one season in the top flight before making a switch to Belgium.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s switch to the South coast side, manager Chris Hughton said: “Once I knew that there was a possibility that Anthony was available, he was somebody I was interested in bringing to the club for a number of reasons.

“He is a different type of player to the wide players we have here; he can play in three positions, on the left, off the frontman, but predominantly in his previous time here in England he played on the right side.

“He is a very good technical, offensive player, and has experience of playing in the Championship, in a team who played a 4-4-2 system.

He is used to having a responsibility in the wide areas – but mostly it is what he can bring us offensively in terms of goals and assists.”

Knockaert is not expected to be available to face Hull in the FA Cup on Saturday as the transfer is subject to international clearance.