PROMOTION rivals Ipswich Town have made the first move of the January transfer window with the signing of Brighton's Jeremy Sarmiento.

The Tractor Boys have signed the Ecuador forward for the rest of the season after the 21 year old spent the first half of the season at West Brom.

Sarmiento, who has made 14 Premier League appearances for Brighton, scored twice in 20 Championship matches.

Sarmiento told Ipswich’s official website: “I’m very excited to be joining Ipswich at a time when they have been on a great run since winning promotion to the Championship.

“Ipswich were always there, after interest in the summer which didn’t quite work out, but I’m here now and I’m ready to do my best.”

Saints are also in the market for a winger on loan with the likes of Amad Diallo and David Brooks linked from Premier League clubs this month.

Second-place Ipswich are three points ahead of Saints in the Championship table after 26 matches, while Leeds United are also applying pressure in fourth. 

Sarmiento, born in Madrid, moved to England aged seven and progressed through Charlton’s academy before joining Benfica in 2018.

He signed for Brighton in 2021 and has made 19 appearances for the Seagulls. He has won 13 senior caps for Ecuador and featured in their three group games at the World Cup.