Kazenga LuaLua: Brighton & Hove Albion winger signs new deal

LuaLua scored three goals in 22 appearances for Brighton before sustaining a knee injury in November

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kazenga LuaLua has signed a new contract with the Championship club.

The 24-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, will remain at the Amex Stadium until the summer of 2018.

"This is a player the club have identified as one they want to keep and has a great value to the club," Albion boss Chris Hughton told BBC Sussex.

"The contract is a consequence of his development in his time here."

He added: "He has been out injured and most people would say it has been a big loss. He can create, score goals and gives the team something different."

LuaLua joined Brighton from Newcastle in November 2011, following three separate loan spells with the Seagulls.

The DR Congo-born player has scored 16 goals in 140 appearances for the south coast club.

"I knew his talent from my time at Newcastle and knew he had to get more consistency in his game," added Hughton.

"Although I worked with him a few years ago he would predominantly have been in a development group. This is the first opportunity I have to work with him at close quarters.

"From everything I hear about him, he has certainly become a more consistent player.

"I want him to show me the abilities he has got and that he is a team player."