Wayne Henderson's on-off move back to Albion is on again.

The Seagulls' former loan keeper from Aston Villa expects to complete his permanent return to the club before Saturday's trip to Sheffield United.

Henderson, who will sign a two-and-a-half year contract, revealed: "In the next couple of days it should be sorted, please God. As far as I know all the terms have been agreed now."

Henderson's successful three-month loan to Albion ended with the home game against Wolves on November 1.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland under-21 custodian was hoping to sign a pre-contract agreement, which would have guaranteed his return during the January transfer window, but that never materialised.

Albion agreed a fee with Villa of £20,000, plus £15,000 if Henderson helps avoid relegation from the Championship, earlier this month.

The saga has dragged on since then, with manager Mark McGhee and chairman Dick Knight losing patience over the financial demands of Henderson's agent.

McGhee told The Argus yesterday the terms offered to Henderson were final and that he had not heard from his agent for days.

Now the stumbling blocks have been resolved, clearing the way for Henderson to challenge Michel Kuipers for the goalkeeping position at Bramall Lane.

"It's been going back and forth for so long," Henderson said. "My last game for Brighton was on November 1 and it should really have been sorted out soon after that. Now I cannot wait to get back down there."

Former Albion No. 1 Eric Steele, the goalkeeping coach at Aston Villa, is backing Henderson to make a name for himself with the Seagulls.

"With Thomas Sorensen as the No. 1 and Stuart Taylor bought in from Arsenal, Wayne's route in terms of playing first team football was always going to be limited," Steele said.

"Our problem is that we only need one goalkeeper to play in one position and it's just been a question of what level he would make his mark.

"He's 22 now and he really had to be looking to move on and I wish him all the best. I've worked with him now for four and a half years and always thought he would make a good living from the game.

"I think that's summed up by the fact that Brighton are going to pay a small fee and we'll also get sell-ons.

"He's the same height, he's got the same build and he has got the same attributes as Shay Given (Newcastle and Republic of Ireland). And he just needs the chance to go and play.

"He's been away at Wycombe and been away at Notts County, who would have signed him had they had the money. He's done it in the Second Division and the First, now he's got the chance to do it in the Championship."