Albion have agreed to sign young Reading striker Darius Henderson on loan for a month.

The deal will be completed tomorrow, when Reading boss Alan Pardew returns from a scouting mission in Scandinavia.

Henderson will make his debut alongside fellow 21-year-old loan capture Leon Knight from Chelsea in Saturday's first League fixture at Oldham.

The Argus revealed manager Steve Coppell's interest in Henderson in yesterday's late editions.

The Seagulls have seen off competition from First Division Walsall plus Second Division rivals Colchester and Brentford for the services of the Doncaster-born marksman.

Coppell, confirming Henderson's arrival to fans at a forum at Hove greyhound stadium last night, said: "I think it's obvious if you look at our line-up at the moment we don't have a great deal of physical presence, either defensively or in attack.

"I was conscious of trying to replace the stature of Bobby Zamora up front. Darius is over six foot, a powerful young man, and he's hungry.

"He wants to send a message to Alan Pardew at Reading that he is capable of being a top player.

"I have spoken to him and he is as keen as anything to come to us and score goals, initially for a month but with the possibility of extending it beyond that.

"The combination of him, Leon and Chris McPhee gives me a little bit of insurance. I would hope between them they can score a lot of goals this season."

Henderson has been at Reading for four seasons after joining them as a trainee. He has made 12 starts and an amazing 70 substitute appearances for the Royals, scoring 16 goals.

More bench-warming beckoned for him at the Madejski Stadium, despite three goals in pre-season including one against Southampton, following the £500,000 signing of Shaun Goater from Manchester City.

Coppell is excited by the prospect of Henderson's little and large link-up with Knight, though at the same time wary of its temporary nature.

He said: "On paper it looks a decent combination," but added: "I am very conscious of the fact our strike force at the moment is two thirds on loan."

McPhee only faces a short wait for his opportunity after his prolific pre-season. Reading will not allow Henderson to play in next Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers.