Sami Hyypia has been appointed Brighton & Hove Albion manager on a three-year deal.

The 40-year-old, who was sacked as the Bayern Leverkusen manager earlier this season, will take the role at Brighton with immediate effect.

Reports began circulating earlier this week that the former Liverpool manager was in talks with the South Coast club, and the Seagulls have confirmed the appointment this evening.

"I am absolutely thrilled by this appointment, Brighton & Hove Albion are an ambitious club and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity," Hyypia told reporters upon his arrival at the club.

"I've held extensive talks with the chairman Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber. I have looked at the club from top to bottom and I am very impressed by what I've seen at all levels.

"I've seen the Amex Stadium and the club's new training ground and they are amongst the best I've seen anywhere in the world. I've also already met some of the key staff including Nathan Jones, the club's head of football David Burke, and Dr Helge Riepenhoff, head of medical and sports science, and I am very much looking forward to working with all of them.

"The chairman is ambitious and for me that is absolutely key. I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead and our aim is to take the club forward to the next level."

Former Brighton boss Oscar Garcia resigned after his side lost their playoff semi-final 6-2 on aggregate to Derby County.