Wednesday 12 July 2017 15:37, UK
Sky Bet League One side Wigan have signed Christian Walton on a season-long loan, just hours after the goalkeeper signed a new four-year deal at Premier League club Brighton.
Walton, 21, has played four times for Brighton's first team but has made over 50 senior appearances in the last two seasons after loan spells at Bury, Luton, Southend and his hometown club Plymouth.
Walton has also featured for England's U19, U20 and U21 sides.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton said: "This is a good move for all concerned - both clubs and the player. Christian needs to be playing regularly, and Wigan offer him the opportunity to do that in League One.
"He played 27 times for Luton last season, and benefitted enormously from the first sustained spell of regular first-team football with them - and it was unfortunate we had to recall him when we did, but we needed him for cover.
"He also did very well in the seven games he played at Southend at the end of the season, and Wigan are getting a very good young goalkeeper who has good experience at League One level.
"For us, we will monitor Christian during his time there and hope that he can continue the excellent progress he has made to date."
Brighton have an emergency option to recall Walton if needed.
