Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of goalkeeper Jason Steele from Sunderland.



The 27-year-old joins the Seagulls on a three-year deal until June 2021, and will add depth to Chris Hughton’s goalkeeping options.



Steele made 18 appearances for the Black Cats last season, including 15 in the Sky Bet Championship.



Albion manager Hughton said, “We’re delighted to secure the services of Jason - a goalkeeper that brings a wealth of experience, having played almost 300 games at senior level.



“Mat Ryan performed exceptionally well for us in the Premier League last season and Jason’s arrival will, following Niki Maenpaa’s departure, restore the options we have in this position.



“Jason will work with Ben Roberts and our other goalkeepers, and I’m looking forward to welcoming him to the squad when we return for pre-season training.”



Born in County Durham, Steele began his career with Middlesbrough, as he progressed through the youth ranks before enjoying a brief loan spell at Northampton Town in 2010.



Steele eventually broke into Boro’s first team during the 2010/11 season, as he made his debut in the League Cup, before starting against Leicester City in the second tier.



In total, Steele made 142 appearances for the north-east outfit, before making a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers in 2015 following a successful loan spell at Ewood Park.



After 120 appearances for Rovers, which included 113 in the Championship, Steele returned to the north east but this time with Sunderland.



Steele has also represented England at a number of levels, including seven appearances for the under-21s, and also featured for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.