Sam Baldock joins Brighton & Hove Albion from Bristol City

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed their 12th player of the summer, bringing in striker Sam Baldock from Bristol City.

The 25-year-old leaves the Robins for an undisclosed fee and signs a four-year contract with the Seagulls.

"He's a predator, instinctive in front of goal and his career goal record is excellent," Brighton boss Sami Hyypia told the club website.

"He's played and scored goals at this level, and we are confident he can be a major threat for us going forward."

Robins chief executive John Pelling revealed that Brighton had been persistent in their pursuit of the striker, who won League One's golden boot award last season.

"We rejected six offers from them having entered this transfer window with the intention of keeping Sam at Bristol City," said Pelling.

"During the window we have got on with recruiting seven players to strengthen our first team squad, with several of these players already regulars in the team.

"However, Brighton's persistence has finally seen them come up with an offer which suited both the club and Sam."

Baldock, who joined the Robins from West Ham United in 2012, netted 24 league goals last season to lead the third-tier scoring charts.