Albion have clinched the capture of central defender Matthew Wicks.

He is joining the Seagulls permanently following his successful month on loan from Peterborough.

Wicks met manager Micky Adams and chairman Dick Knight last night to thrash out personal terms.

He will now be available for tomorrow's home game against Scunthorpe.

The fee agreed between the two clubs is believed to be less than the £50,000 Peterborough were asking.

The second division club wanted £25,000, plus another £25,000 if Albion are promoted.

Knight told the Argus yesterday: "We are not going to pay £50,000 for Matthew Wicks. I am not having a gun put to my head."

Wicks had an anxious wait after finishing his loan spell with last Friday's 2-0 win at Hull.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal schoolboy scored his third goal and helped Albion to a record-breaking fifth straight League victory without conceding.

Wicks said last night: "I am absolutely delighted. I have said all along Brighton are a big club with fantastic supporters and a great set of players capable of winning promotion.

"I want to be part of that."

First choice goalkeeper Mark Cartwright has recovered from strained stomach muscles, which ruled him out of thehistoric win at Hull.

Michel Kuipers deputised for him and Adams hinted the Dutchman will keep his place tomorrow.

"Possession is nine-tenths of the law," Adams said.