It's a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to get going Darren Currie

The 30-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year deal and goes straight into the squad to face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday.

The deal is the first time Ipswich have spent money on a player since Marcus Bent joined the club three years ago.

Currie said: "I believe I'm a better 30-year-old footballer than I was as a 20-year-old. This move helps me to continue fulfill my dreams."

He added: "It has been an amazing 24 hours and I'm delighted to be here. I was shocked when I heard Ipswich wanted me, but excited and thrilled at the same time.

"It has turned my world upside down. To be joining a massive club like Ipswich, one that is chasing a place in the Premiership, is a fantastic opportunity."

Brighton chairman Dick Knight said: "He's been a key player and I turned down several Ipswich bids this week. "Manager Mark McGhee didn't want to lose Darren either, but accepts that the club's financial position dictates it was an offer we couldn't refuse."

Currie only joined the Seagulls from Wycombe in the summer and was in talks with the club about signing a two-year extension.

McGhee added: "It's a bitter blow. Dick and I were already in negotiations to offer him a new contract but it was difficult for us to stand in his way.

"Ipswich have a fabulous set-up and are pushing for a place in the Premiership, as opposed to our situation."

If the deal goes through it will be the first time Ipswich have paid a fee for a player since signing Marcus Bent in November 2001.