Albion manager Mark McGhee fears relegation could cost almost £1 million and the services of Gifton Noel-Williams.

Noel-Williams, on loan from Burnley until the end of the season, has not ruled out the possibility of a permanent switch to the Seagulls.

But a potential deal for the influential centre forward could be wrecked by Albion's departure from the Championship.

McGhee revealed: "I've not had a conversation with him. I don't know whether, going down, we can afford him first and foremost.

"There is a significant effect on the club's income. I think with the TV money changing as it has and other bits and pieces you are talking about close to £1 million, because the difference between the Championship and League One is bigger this year than it has been before.

"That will in turn have an effect on the budget but I think we have seen enough to know Gifton can make a contribution.

"He has done terrifically well for us. Like Paul McShane (Manchester United loanee) his commitment has been beyond the call of duty, so I would love to keep him."

Noel-Williams has scored twice in five appearances since Albion ended their long search for a striker by signing him just before the close of last month's loan transfer deadline.

McGhee's top summer target is a prolific goalscorer who can also bring the best out of rookie forward Colin Kazim-Richards.

He said: "That is an absolute priority. Somebody like Gifton, who can do what he is doing already, which includes making a player out of Colin.

"I think we are going to need somebody as good to get us out of League One as we needed to stay in the Championship."

Albion are expected to field a young side when the Reserves take on Aldershot at Worthing tonight (7pm).

Richard Martin plays in goal, with Flo Chaigneau still sidelined by a calf injury.