Albion have completed the club record capture of Blackburn Rovers centre-half Shane Duffy.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international has signed a four-year contract.

The undisclosed fee for Duffy eclipses the record £2.5 million downpayment for striker Craig Mackail-Smith from Peterborough five years ago, although the Argus understands the figure is considerably lower than the £4.5 million being reported elsewhere.

The deal was completed just before the noon deadline, so Duffy is available for his debut at Newcastle tomorrow (5.30) after training with Albion this morning.

He is set to come straight into the side alongside Lewis Dunk for the clash at St James' Park.

Albion have been monitoring Duffy's progress for the past 12 months and were undeterred by his recent blips with Rovers.

He headed the winner in Tuesday’s 4-3 League Cup second round home win over Crewe Alexandra after scoring two own goals and being sent-off in his previous Championship outing against Cardiff. He also put through his own net before that at Wigan.

Duffy was in the final 12 months of a three-year contract after joining Blackburn from Everton in September 2014 and turned down a new deal at Ewood Park.

Albion had two bids rejected for him last month.

Boss Chris Hughton said: "I'm delighted that our perseverance has finally paid off and we've completed the signing of Shane. He's an excellent addition for us.

"He has a lot of experience for his age, having played in the Premier League, Championship, Europa League and international football for Ireland.

"He's a very good defender and now gives me four quality, senior options for the two central defensive positions."