Steve Coppell believes veteran goalkeeper Dave Beasant is pricing himself out of a new deal with Albion.

Beasant, 44, is still negotiating and insists he wants to stay.

But Albion boss Coppell, who returned to work yesterday following the death of his brother in a car accident, said: "Dave did well last year and is looking for a contract but I'm not sure we can match what he wants.

"Like all clubs outside the Premiership, we are having to look after our pennies and account for everything."

Michel Kuipers is Albion's only senior goalkeeper at present as Beasant is out of contract and Will Packham has signed for Farnborough.

Coppell said: "We've got to get a keeper. It's coming to a head with Dave. He'll sign for us or we'll be looking elsewhere. In an ideal world, I'd sign him. If it doesn't happen I'll look elsewhere but we are still talking."

Coppell cannot guarantee regular first team football for the former England international.

He said: "Dave wants first team football but he knows there is no guarantee. He knows he would have opposition here. I've got a determined Michel Kuipers who is going to do his utmost to make sure that whoever I bring in is going to be in the second team.

"Competition is healthy but I have to determine whether this club can afford to have two competitive goalkeepers."

Coppell may consider signing Ben Roberts, who played on loan for Albion last season. He has been released by Charlton.

He said: "I could go that route but can we afford it? Ben might not be first team keeper but he'd certainly be on first team wages."

Beasant's agent Tim Bailey said: "I know Brighton are going to be under pressure financially after relegation. I think Dave is still keen to stay at Brighton but obviously the terms of his contract are important."

Meanwhile, Coppell has paid tribute to his brother.

Kevin, 53, who scouted for the Seagulls, died on his way home after playing cricket in the Cheshire League.

Coppell said: "He was one of the best scouts I've known and I never paid him a bean. Kevin would go to Tranmere and every so often phone me about a player. He was spot one all the time.

"We shared a bedroom for 17 years. The blood bond made us close although obviously we didn't live in each other's pockets because we were at opposite ends of the country."

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