Blues have pulled off a major transfer coup by signing promotion-winning goalkeeper David Stockdale from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Stockdale has penned a three-year deal with Blues which begins on 1 July and runs until the summer of 2020.



Stockdale’s current contract at Brighton expires at the end of this month. The Sussex club wanted to keep him but he moves to St. Andrew’s on a free transfer.



Leeds-born Stockdale, 31, was one of the most consistent players in the Sky Bet Championship last season as he helped the Seagulls to the runners-up spot behind Newcastle United and elevation to the Premier League.



Standing six feet three inches tall, Stockdale made 45 appearances for Chris Hughton's side during the 2016/17 campaign.



His performances saw him recognised by his professional peers as he was voted into The PFA Championship Team of the Year, as well as being included in the EFL Championship 2016/17 Team of the Season.





Stockdale helped Brighton finish third in the 2015/16 season, when they lost out in the Play-Off Semi-Finals to Sheffield Wednesday.



The experienced ‘keeper has celebrated promotion from this division before last season though – he was on loan at Hull City when the Tigers won promotion by finishing second in 2012/13.



Stockdale began his footballing career in Yorkshire, where he came through the youth ranks at Huddersfield Town and then York City.



Having made 27 appearances for the Minstermen, he joined Darlington in 2006 where he spent two years before being snapped up by Fulham.



He was with the Cottagers for a total six seasons, clocking up 39 Premier League outings, as well enjoying numerous loan stints away from Craven Cottage, including his successful time at Hull.



Stockdale linked up with the Seagulls in July 2014, appearing a total of 139 times for the South Coast outfit and missing just four Championship games over the last three seasons.