Nikki Bull is bringing promising young striker Daniel Akindayini back to Margate - and this time the deal is permanent.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a brief loan spell with the Blues in February and has now agreed a one-year deal after being released at the end of the season by Brighton and Hove Albion.

Gate boss Bull has kept in contact with the player since his release by the Championship club, and the long game paid off when the former Tottenham Hotspur man chose the Blues ahead of several other interested parties.

The deal comes into effect on August 1 but he will be available to play in Gate's pre-season fixtures, starting with the home clash with Ramsgate on Saturday.

Bull says he is delighted to have captured Akindayini permanently and is really excited by his new-look strike force which also includes Michael Thalassitis and Elliott Buchanan, last season's top scorer in Vanarama National League South.

The Gate boss said: "Daniel was someone I identified as a target even before the season finished, once I knew he was being released by Brighton.

"It's been a case of waiting because he's been having trials with League clubs. Obviously he wanted to stay in the league, but once he knew that was not likely to happen he was happy to speak to us and we are delighted to have him.

"We saw his promise in the brief spell he had with us last season and hopefully he's another one who will benefit from playing regularly."

London-born Akindayini was top scorer for Tottenham’s under-18s in 2013-14 and became a regular for their under-21s the following campaign.

He joined Brighton on trial at the end of that season and signed for the Seagulls in July having caught the eye in games against Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Gate manager Bull signed him on a 28-day loan in February and the striker was an instant hit, scoring both goals in Margate's 2-1 home win over Basingstoke.

However, his debut was cut short by a knee injury and the following week he was replaced at half-time with an ankle problem during the 3-2 win at Chelmsford and returned to his parent club.