Brighton have pulled off a major coup by winning the race to sign Peterborough's Craig Mackail-Smith for a fee which could rise to a reported £3.25million.
Leicester appeared favourites to capture the sought-after striker, who has signed a four-year deal, while West Ham also had a bid accepted by Peterborough for the 27-year-old.
But the Seagulls have underlined their intentions for the forthcoming npower Championship campaign by beating the duo to Mackail-Smith's signature.
Mackail-Smith started out at Dagenham & Redbridge and moved to Peterborough for an undisclosed fee in January 2007.
He scored 99 goals for Posh during his four-and-a-half-year stay, including one in the 3-0 play-off final win over Huddersfield at Old Trafford in May.
Source: PA
