Brighton & Hove Albion have loaned Latvian defender Vitalijs Maksimenko to Dutch side VVV-Venlo for the season.

The 23-year-old joined the Seagulls in January last year, but has made just three appearances since.

"At this stage of his career it's important for Vitalijs that he plays regular games and continues to learn as part of his development," Brighton manager Sami Hyypia told the club website.

"He's a good defender, a very good professional, and a player who works hard, trains well and wants to get better, but his options here this season are limited with the defenders we have at the club."

Maksimenko, who has nine senior caps for Latvia, has also had loan spells at Yeovil Town and Kilmarnock since joining Brighton.