Albion transfer dealings could go down to the wire

Yesterday the Seagulls confirmed the capture of Wolves striker Sam Vokes on loan for the remainder of the season and Amex boss Poyet said he was confident more signings would follow.

One of those is rumoured to be West Brom defender Gonzalo Alejandro Jara Reyes, who enjoyed a loan spell on the south coast earlier this season, and is unlikely to see too much first team action at the Hawthorns.

Falkirk defender Murray Wallace is also set to decide between jumping on the Gus Bus or moving to Ipswich after both clubs held talks with the 19-year-old. If he does choose Brighton however, fans will not see him until next season as he is likely to be loaned straight back following the £300,000 deal.

Hull City striker Aaron McLean revealed he had been sounded out about a move to the Seagulls but, with the capture of Vokes, that deal may now be on the backburner.

Another name linked to the Stripes is Herta Ilunga who is available on a free after an unsuccessful spell at West Ham United.

Perhaps of more immediate interest to Brighton fans though is who, if anyone, is being targeted by rival clubs.

Cardiff City have hardly been shy in expressing their interest in Craig Noone and had a near £1million bid rejected earlier this month. With a slot in the Carling Cup final now secured, the Welsh club are believed to be happy to loosen the purse strings in a bid to add promotion to their impressive cup run.

Nearer to home Reading are sounding out the Seagulls over the availability of star striker Craig Mackail-Smith with rumblings in the press suggesting they may be prepared to part with up to £3.5million and Simon Church to land the Scotland international.

A deal is unlikely to be struck, with Mackail-Smith only arriving in Sussex in the close season, especially as it would give the Albion next to no time to secure a replacement.

Brighton take on arch rivals Crystal Palace tonight at Selhurst Park, hopeful of revenging their 3v1 home defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Fans will though be forgiven for keeping one eye on goings on off the pitch - or at least checking Sky Sports’ website during half time.