MOTHERWELL have confirmed they have failed in their bid to keep hold of defender Ben Hall after he opted for a move to English Championship outfit Brighton.
The 19-year-old joined Well in 2013 but – despite breaking into Mark McGhee’s side earlier this season – has knocked back several new contract offers to stay at Fir Park.
The Northern Irish youth international is now heading to the Amex Arena after penning a two-year deal to work with Chris Hughton’s outfit.
McGhee is disappointed to lose the highly-rated young centre-back but has already eyed up a potential replacement.
He said: “We are obviously disappointed Ben has chosen Brighton, but this is further vindication of our policy at the club of developing young talent and should give hope to the youngsters currently at the club and in the Academy.
“We have been in discussions with Ben for the best part of five months, however, we have always been conscious that this may happen and as such, have been working on a replacement, which we hope to announce soon.
“Ben has done well, and we wish him well in the English Championship, but his departure provides an opportunity for someone else to hopefully make a similar sort of impact.”
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