Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has revealed motorway delays scuppered the club's move for Tottenham's Alex Pritchard.

The Championship club struck a deal with Spurs and subsequently agreed terms with the 23-year-old over a permanent transfer to the south coast.

Pricthard started his journey down to the club to complete the switch, but Barber has revealed delays on the M25 halted his journey and in the meantime Norwich swooped to hijack the transfer.

Speaking to supporters at a fans forum, the Brighton chief said: "We don't usually share transfer info, but we will make an exception with this one.

"We agreed terms with Spurs, and then agreed terms with the player and agent. Player was travelling to us.

"There were delays on the M25, and it was during that delay another club jumped on the deal.

"These things happen in football, and we are not naive enough to think that doesn't happen."

Pritchard, who spent last season on loan at West Brom, completed his move to Carrow Road on Thursday, signing a four-year deal with Brighton's Championship rivals.