Brighton set to sign Montoya from Valencia as former Barcelona defender turns down Fulham

Martin Montoya has opted to join Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 27-year-old Spanish full-back had been in talks with Fulham but Chris Hughton has persuaded him to move to the south coast and the Valencia defender is poised to sign this afternoon.

Montoya will compete with Ezequiel Schelotto and veteran Brighton captain Bruno Saltor for a play in Hughton's starting XI.

He has just enjoyed two years of regular football at Valencia having been on the fringes of the first-team at Barcelona for the early part of his career.

Montoya, now 27, made 67 appearances in five seasons at Barcelona, being used mostly as a back-up for Dani Alves before being loaned out to Inter and Real Betis.

Montoya will become Brighton's 10th signing of the summer.