Brighton & Hove Albion have snapped up Romanian midfielder Tudor-Cristian Baluta from Viitorul Constanta on a three-year deal.

The 19-year-old, also comfortable playing as a defender, is to return to Viitorul on loan for the rest of the season.

Baluta has made 15 appearances for the Romanian side this term, scoring twice, and will initially link up with Albion's development side.

Brighton's pathway development manager David Weir told the club's official website: "We are delighted to welcome Tudor to the club - he is another signing who we've identified as being someone we can develop for the future.

"He's a versatile player who can play both in central midfield and as part of a defence, and has good experience in his country's top division so far this season.

"He will spend the rest of this season back at FC Viitorul to continue his development and we will monitor his progress closely between now and the end of the campaign."

Baluta earned his first cap at senior level for Romania last October and also has experience in the Europa League with Viitorul.