SAINTS have missed out on signing right back Inigo Calderon.

In a surprise U-turn, the Spaniard has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at The Withdean after turning down a more lucrative offer from Saints.

Last month, Seagulls boss Gus Poyet had said the player had no future at Brighton after turning down a new contract offer amid interest from Alan Pardew.

Calderon today said: "I think it would have been two years with Southampton. We were still sorting out the terms.

“The money they were offering was better than Brighton. Of course, that is important, but my feelings were for Brighton."

Brighton have inserted a clause allowing them to cancel the deal after six months, should Calderon not fully recover from a hip injury he suffered in April.

Pardew is searching for a new right back after releasing Jon Otsemobor, Lloyd James, Graeme Murty and Wayne Thomas, all of whom played in that position for Saints last season

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