James Wilson will remain at Brighton and Hove Albion for the rest of the season

Manchester United forward James Wilson has joined Sky Bet Championship promotion hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old will link up with his new team-mates on Friday morning and could make his Brighton debut against Birmingham City on Saturday at the Amex Stadium.

Wilson has featured only twice for United this season and has been allowed to leave Old Trafford by manager Louis van Gaal in order to gain regular first-team action.

"We have been keen to add a striker, and James has been our number-one target for some time, so we are absolutely delighted to have completed the deal," Brighton manager Chris Hughton said.

"James is an exciting young striker, and we hope that this move will prove very good for all parties involved.

"He is very highly thought of at Old Trafford and he has been in and around the first-team picture at Manchester United since Ryan Giggs gave him his debut the season before last.

Chris Hughton says he is delighted to have secured the loan signing of Wilson

"There was a huge amount of competition from rival clubs to sign James on loan and it has been another great team effort to secure his signature.

"I now hope he will help us maintain our excellent start to the season, and bring additional goals to the squad."

Van Gaal's decision to loan Wilson to Brighton leaves him with just two recognised forwards - Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial - until January at the very least.

Wilson joins Brighton with the club currently in second place in the Championship table, level on points with leaders Hull City.