Leon Best: Brighton sign Blackburn Rovers striker on loan

Best has had permanent spells at Southampton, Coventry, Newcastle and Blackburn

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Blackburn Rovers striker Leon Best on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old moves to the Amex Stadium after his loan spell at Championship rivals Derby County was cut short earlier this month.

Best started just three games for the Rams, with a further 17 appearances coming off the bench.

"I know Leon very well, having signed him during my time at Newcastle," Seagulls boss Chris Hughton said.

"He is a strong, physical presence, he knows the Championship and knows the position we are in."

Former Southampton trainee Best joined Blackburn from Newcastle for a fee of £3m in the summer of 2012, having spent just over two years on Tyneside.

Injury has restricted him to 16 appearances for Rovers and he spent time at Sheffield Wednesday on loan last season.

Best failed to score during his time at Derby, but Hughton believes he is capable of making an impact at the Amex Stadium.

"I know he can be a very good player and he did very well for me both in the Championship and Premier League," Hughton said.

"His time at Derby didn't work as well as it might have done. But you look at the form of their team, and in particular Chris Martin's goals, and you can see why opportunities were limited.

"He gives us another attacking option and I hope he can produce the same form he did for me when we worked together at Newcastle."

Best could make his debut against Ipswich Town on Wednesday, but he is ineligible to face Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, having already appeared for Derby earlier in the competition.