Town will have to look elsewhere for their new first-choice keeper with number one target Tomasz Kuszczak completing a Bosman free move to Brighton and Hove Albion this evening, signing a two-year deal. As reported in April, the 30-year-old Pole, who was released by Manchester United at the end of the season, was the man Paul Jewell wanted to see between the Portman Road sticks next season.

Brighton boss Gus Poyet was delighted to win the race for the one-time West Brom man, who was also being chased by sides in Germany: "There were clubs in England and abroad interested in Tomasz, but it says a lot for the ambition of this club that he wanted to sign for Brighton.

"We had been tracking his progress for some time and he will provide real competition to both Casper Ankergren and Peter Brezovan for the goalkeeper’s jersey this coming season — and that can only be a good thing for the team moving forward."

Kuszczak outlined why he chose to join the Seagulls: "I have played Premier League football for eight years, with West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United, and I believe the structure is in place here to join them.

"The manager and coaching staff, the team, stadium, crowds, through to the plans for the new training ground, everything is geared up for playing at the highest level and I could sense that ambition to be a top club straight away.

"Also when I played against Brighton last season, while on loan at Watford, I was very impressed with the way the team played - it was totally different to the rest of the Championship and more like what I was used to at Manchester United.

"This team likes to pass the ball, they like to create, they are attractive to watch. The way Brighton play is the future of football. I had other clubs who wanted to sign me but my heart told me that this was the right choice."

In addition to their interest in Kuszczak, the Blues sounded out former Peterborough keeper Joe Lewis prior to his move to Cardiff, while QPR’s Paddy Kenny has also been mentioned in connection with Town, however, is expected to be reunited with Neil Warnock at Leeds United.

Watford’s Scott Loach, Manchester United youngster Ben Amos, former Aston Villa man Brad Guzan and Birmingham’s Colin Doyle, who was recently offered new terms by the Midlanders, have all also been linked.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 22:31 - Jun 19 So, let me get this straight. A POSSIBLE target signs for another Championship club ( who finished higher than us), and this means we are at an " all time low". Unbelievable.
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stewartwonderland added 22:31 - Jun 19 For me this is the most important position we need to sort this summer and we look as though we have missed out again. For those who want loach here next season, please note that Watford fans do not rate him and he was replaced by kuszczak last season. I hope PJ has other options!
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alfromcol added 22:36 - Jun 19 Does anyone have any real evidence/proof that we were even after him???? Calm down all you ranters, especially bluedragon - take another tablet!!!
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walberswick added 22:40 - Jun 19 In Jewellio we trust....
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AlanMahon2011 added 22:43 - Jun 19 110% CLEGG OUT
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JimmyBlue added 22:47 - Jun 19 Seriously Brighton .... what is wrong with this club. Failure to land yet another player. I seriously question if Mr Clegg is working hard enough to get these deals done! Drags his feet - so the player signs elsewhere.
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Keaneish added 22:48 - Jun 19 I beg your pardon? Brighton and Hove Albion? Let me repeat that name to you...Brighton and Hove Albion!! Yet another transfer sham!! League 1 and 2 players it is then! Make them count Jewell, you've got 10 to get it right!!!
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WorcesterBlue added 22:52 - Jun 19 Were we in for him? Better options out there. I have a feeling next week is a big one for us with some serious new signings including a GK.
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Lightningboy added 23:01 - Jun 19 lucky escape..think he would've been very hit and miss ala Fulop. Let's get Westwood from Sunderland.
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gibbo added 23:06 - Jun 19 Tom Heaton please.
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Tractastic added 23:06 - Jun 19 In Mr Jewells own words "It will be just as tough next year, possibly even tougher" Ok so a couple of early signings on unexperienced youth looks promising but if you really believe this Mr Jewell we clearly need to sign some quality through the spine.i.e.GK,CB,Midfield General and target man. Its a shame such an experienced and obviously gifted keeper has chosen IMO a lesser club.Can't help feeling the first part of the jigsaw could have been sorted here? I assume there is a plan B?

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evansblue added 23:08 - Jun 19 As long as we sign All the players we need before the season starts then I am not too bothered in missing out on this one. I would say though given how average our squad is I am surprised we have not seen a few more new faces Already.
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brittaniaman added 23:10 - Jun 19 I thought Jewellio wanted players in by pre season training, at this rate we will be lucky to have any in by the start of the season ???????
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brittaniaman added 23:17 - Jun 19 By the way Brighton has now got 3 goalkeepers, perhaps we can borrow one of theirs to make our numbers up LOL ???????????
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NSL added 23:27 - Jun 19 Not to panic, This guy is a proven NON-Premiership keeper, I mean Jesus, what a fall from grace going from Champions League to not even being able to secure a contract with a relegation candidate Premiership team. What we need is a bargain young keeper with premiership potential, dare I say it . . a Ruddy. Having come from a family of watford supporters I know a bit about this keeper. Good shot stopper but a complete flapper on corners and prone to massive losses of concentration. They won't miss him. Onwards.

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Sindre94 added 23:50 - Jun 19 Alright, lets move on (hint hint all moaners)
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LondonSeagull added 00:02 - Jun 20 Some things in life you just cannot buy... oh I so loved your banner at the Amex.
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LondonSeagull added 00:04 - Jun 20 He's signed for a forward looking, forward thinking club that taught you lot a lesson last season. Sure you have your history, so do Portsmouth, but the here and now is you are not in the races. So before you decide to start picking holes in "who? Brighton & Hove Albion?" look a little closer to home and see what on earth you have to attract players. You'll be very welcome at the Amex this year... not!

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Tractorog added 00:16 - Jun 20 Oooooo someone is still smarting then!
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RYITFC added 00:22 - Jun 20 If the lad wants to sign for Brighton fair enuf. So what. It's just another name crossed off the list, be patient and we will get our players.
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BrightonEye added 00:28 - Jun 20 The facts speak for themselves. Try seeing it from the player's perspective: Ipswich? Manager Jewell, Chief Executive Clegg (Olympics man), Owner Mr Anonymous, Stadium creaking, STHs 13,000, Gates ~18k. Ambition: ??? Relocation: Ipswich vs BHA? Manager Poyet, Chief Executive Barber (Exec Director at Spurs, FA...)Chairman Bloom (media savvy), Stadium brand new, now being extended to 30k), STHs 23,000, Gates 20k last season. Ambition: high. Relocation: Brighton The days of Muhren and Thyssen are long gone. So is the Withdean. Our clubs have both changed. In different directions. So, which one would any decent player instinctively prefer to join?

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singingtheblues added 00:40 - Jun 20 not sure why everyone is slagging brighton or surprised that a player would pick brighton over town - they finished higher than town last season, have higher gates & also do have an (old) first division heritage
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AbujaBlue added 00:55 - Jun 20 We haven't even seen what the wage terms were. How can people jump to conclusions that he chose 'this' place over 'that' when it is far more likely he went to the club offering the best wages. Personally I'm relieved he didn't join - we've had enough old-timers sapping our wage budget, Kuszczak would have been no different. Two young players have been signed and that's more encouraging. But I do think it's funny that a few frustrated comments about losing a signature (big deal, we have the whole summer ahead of us) has been misintepreted as an 'attack' on Brighton and even caused a furore in northstandchat that we are belittling their 'small' club, and even more funny that some Brighton fans are now registering here in valiant defence because of it. Talk about hitting a raw nerve! This is a transfer story that we will forget about in a couple of days. I live in Brighton and like the place, but seriously to any Brighton fan who wants to register on here just to present a set of mind-numbingly boring statistics (that can change again in an instant season by season) then just don't bother, it's not worth your time!

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LondonSeagull added 01:12 - Jun 20 If the posts on here weren't so arrogant AbujaBlue perhaps we wouldn't give a monkeys nuts.
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tearle1974 added 01:17 - Jun 20 Look, what the hell, We have ALB and we will get keeper cover soon, Sorry to say to you moaners out there but its all early days and 2 months to get our side ready. Be patient and you never know what may come along??????
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