Albion have signed highly-rated young Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke from NAC Breda on a three-year contract.

The 20-year-old will go out on loan in Europe for the new season.

Technical director Dan Ashworth said: “We have been tracking Jan Paul for quite a while and we’re delighted he has joined us.

“He’s a young talent, a powerful defender who is comfortable on the ball and good in possession.

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“The plan now is that he will go out on loan to a club in Europe for the season to continue his development.

“The club’s loans department, led by David Weir, will monitor his progress closely over the course of the season.”