Brighton record holder makes surprise loan switch to Watford

Veteran Brighton forward Glenn Murray has joined Championship side Watford on a season-long loan.

Murray has been the club’s highest goalscorer in the post-war era, with 111 strikes to his name across his two spells on the south coast.

The 36-year-old has a year remaining on his contract with the Seagulls, but has chosen to move to Watford in a bid for a regular place in the squad.

Brighton manager Graham Potter told the club website: “It is understandable that Glenn would like to play regular football at this stage of his career and this move gives him that opportunity with Watford.”

Potter added: “He could easily have stayed here, been part of the squad and we would have been very happy to have his experience and his personality within the dressing room – but we could not guarantee him regular football.

“He makes the move with our full blessing and best wishes.

“Glenn has been outstanding for this football club, a great pro and pleasure to work with. He quite rightly has earned legend status here.”

The experienced striker has netted double figures in a season nine times during his 13 years as a professional, and already has a Championship golden boot to his name from 2013, when he struck 30 times for Crystal Palace during their promotion season.

Potter added: “He will always be welcome back here at the club, at the training ground and the Amex, and I am sure the fans will look forward to showing their appreciation at some point in the future.”

BEN WHITE HANDED BRIGHTON PROMISE AFTER NEW DEAL

In-demand centre-back Ben White has disappointed a host of suitors by signing a new four-year contract with Brighton.

White was Leeds’ initial top target in the hunt for a new defender, having watched him impress on loan last season. The 22-year-old appeared in all 46 Championship games as Marcelo Bielsa’s men achieved promotion.

Leeds have already had three bids rejected and chief executive Angus Kinnear admitted that a deal would be hard to strike given Brighton’s reluctance to sell.

And after seeing three bids rejected, the last being for £25m, Leeds turned their attention elsewhere.

A clutch of other Premier League clubs had also been closely monitoring White’s situation, including Chelsea.

But boss Graham Potter has long since insisted Brighton want to integrate him into their top-flight plans this term.

White has signed improved terms at the Amex Stadium running until 2024, and with it, gets a promise from Potter to show what he can do in the Premier League. Read more…