New Brighton boss Potter makes defender Clarke his first signing

Brighton have completed the signing of defender Matt Clarke from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee. Centre-back Clarke has agreed a four-year contract with the Seagulls to become the first arrival under new boss Graham Potter. The 22-year-old, who made 175 appearances during four seasons with Pompey, will provide competition for Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy at the Amex Stadium. Potter told Brighton’s website: “We are pleased to welcome Matt to the club. He’s an imposing central defender and had a very impressive spell with Portsmouth, and as their captain has been a key player for them. “At 22, Matt has already played a good number of games in the EFL and we are really looking forward to working with him. “His challenge now is to compete with our existing centre-halves — an area where we have a lot of competition — and break into our first team.” Clarke began his career with Ipswich before moving to Fratton Park, initially on loan, in 2015. After winning promotion from Sky Bet League Two with Pompey in 2017,  he lifted the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley last season, as well as helping Kenny Jackett’s side reach the League One play-off semi-finals. Portsmouth, meanwhile, have signed forward Ellis Harrison from fellow League One side Ipswich for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old former Wales Under-21 international, who began his career with Bristol Rovers, has agreed a three-year deal. Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen told the club website: “We’ve always liked him as a player. He can fit into our system as a number nine and hold the ball up, win headers and score goals.” Topics Graham Potter, Premier League, Brighton Graham Potter among the contenders to take over at Brighton Seagulls linked with Potter after sacking Chris Hughton Brighton chairman: Graham Potter was the outstanding candidate Hard work and ‘a bit of fortune’ led Potter to the Premier League Egypt earn opening win over Zimbabwe Karen Carney: I have achieved what I wanted and kept it real Boothroyd: They’ll have to carry me out of Under-21 role Liverpool defender ‘wants to quit’ and join Crystal Palace this summer – report Foden misses out as England crash out of Euro 2019 Manchester United set to be beaten to £65m star by rivals as ‘medical pencilled in’ Liverpool defender ‘wants to quit’ and join Crystal Palace this summer – report Unai Emery presses Arsenal to splash the cash on £35m PSG star Jadon Sancho: Where next for England’s once-in-a-generation star? 8 players who turned down major transfer moves