Richie Towell signs two-year deal with Premier League Brighton

Former Dundalk star Richie Towell has signed a new two-year deal with English Premier League new boys Brighton & Hove Albion but will be sent out on loan after the summer.

The club confirmed the news alongside an announcement that four first-team players, including Towell's midfield colleague Steve Sidwell, had been offered new deals ahead of the new season.

The Dubliner has had a frustrating time since leaving the Lilywhites for Brighton 18 months ago as injury and competition for places has limited his involvement to just five season appearances.

However the 24-year-old scored his first goal for the Seagulls in a January FA Cup defeat to Lincoln City and was part of the squad that sealed promotion with a second-place finish in the Championship.

Manager Chris Hughton has intimated that the midfielder will be sent out on loan to a Championship club next season as he continues to feature in the former Ireland international's long-term plans.

Hughton told The Argus: “Players like Rohan [Ince] and Richie will go out on loan.

“We have been really delighted with Richie but we are very keen for him to get out on loan to the Championship next season.”