Rio Ferdinand's son signs first professional contract with Premier League side

Ferdinand's son Lorenz joined Brighton as an under-13 player and has risen through the ranks steadily, making his Premier League 2 debut in January before playing in a senior match for the first time while on loan with non-league outfit Havant & Waterlooville in April.

A goalkeeper and Rio's eldest son, Lorenz kept two clean sheets in six appearances in the Southern League towards the backend of last season. He sits among a raft of promising shot-stoppers on the south coast, with European Under-21 Championship winner James Beadle on the Albion's books alongside Carl Rushworth, who has spent time on loan with Walsall, Lincoln, Swansea and Hull.

Speaking after 13 youngsters penned for first pro deals, Brighton academy manager Ian Buckman said: "We’re pleased to see this cohort of players sign their first professional contracts here, with a number of them at the club from a very young age.

"All of them have already had some form of experience with the under-21s, while a few have been involved with the first team.

"We look forward to them continuing their careers with us and helping them develop over the coming years."

Rio is a six-time Premier League winner with United, also claiming the 2008 Champions League on his way to becoming a Red Devils legend.

Lorenz will hope to get the chance to make an impression on Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler over the summer, but he is likely to either remain in the club's academy or be sent on loan to build up his exposure to senior football.