The 18-year-old has, however, been loaned back to the Seagulls for the remainder of the season.

Bristol Rovers beat off stiff competition from a number of Football League clubs to secure Jones’ signature.

He joined Weston when he was 16, linking up with the Weston College academy under-19 squad who compete in the National League Under-19 Youth Alliance.

His flourishing performances for the youth team saw him integrated into Scott Bartlett’s first team upon his appointment in the 2019 pre-season, with Jones getting valuable experience during his first season as a first-team member.

A winger by trade, his transition to left-back this season has seen him take his performances to a new level, his current Weston record standing at 4 goals and 3 assists in 19 appearances.

Bristol Rovers manager Ben Garner told https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk: "We are pleased to welcome Ryan to the club.

"He's a talented young player that has attracted widespread interest over the summer and we are delighted that we have been able to win the race for his signature.

"He is playing regularly and developing really well with Weston so immediately returns there on loan. We look forward to working with Ryan moving forwards”.

(Photo: Will T. Photography)