Transfer deadline day: Brighton's Maksimenko leaves on loan

Maksimenko joined Brighton from Skonto Riga in January 2013

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Vitalijs Maksimenko has joined Dutch second division side VVV-Venlo on a season-long loan deal.

The 23-year-old Latvia international has only made three appearances for the Seagulls since joining the Championship club in January 2013.

"It's important for Vitalijs that he plays regular games and continues to learn," Albion boss Sami Hyypia said.

"His options here this season are limited with the defenders we have."

The Finn added: "At the moment he would be our fourth choice, but at his age he needs to play regular first-team football."

Maksimenko has previously spent time on loan at Yeovil and Kilmarnock.