BLACKPOOL have announced the permanent signing of Jordan Gabriel from Nottingham Forest, in a deal which will boost Southend United.

The 22-year-old defender – who was with the Shrimpers in his youth – has joined Blackpool on an initial four-year deal for a deal believed to be in the region of £700,000.

And Blues are understood to have included a sell on clause, of at least 10 per cent, in the contract when he joined Forest at the age of 16.

Gabriel spent last season on loan at Bloomfield Road, featuring 35 times and helped Blackpool achieve promotion to the Championship.

He told the club website: “I’m over the moon. I can’t wait to get started, I’m so happy to be here.

“I loved my time here last season and it created a lot of memories. That’s now what I’m wanting for the future.

“Together, with the group that we’ve got, we can hopefully do that.”