Former Aston Villa and England midfielder Lee Hendrie is joining League One Brighton.
The 32-year-old has agreed a loan switch from Derby until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move to the south coast in the summer.
"This is the type of calibre of player we want to bring to the club," said Seagulls manager Gus Poyet.
"I have told him he will have to fight for a place in the team but Lee wants to come and play football for us.
"He has been in and out of the team at Derby this season but there is no doubting his quality and this gives us the opportunity to have a look at him between now and the end of the season.
"He is an excellent footballer, he played over 250 games for Aston Villa at the top level and I know his qualities from playing against him."
