Albion are preparing an undisclosed bid for Hull striker Ben Burgess.

The Seagulls are hoping a fee may persuade the Championship club to part company with the 24-year-old Irishman. The Argus revealed yesterday that Burgess is now the top target in the hunt for a centre forward.

Phil Parkinson, Hull's new manager, has been pleased with the former Brentford marksman in pre-season and would prefer to keep him.

But an offer for Burgess could make a difference, particularly as Hull have up to seven front men to choose from and Parkinson is about to strengthen in other areas.

Hull chairman Adam Pearson has indicated the squad would then be trimmed before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Albion have offered an extended trial to former Newcastle winger Martin Brittain after he featured in several pre-season friendlies.

Manager Mark McGhee said: "We are not ready to say yes and give him a contract but we have seen enough to want to see more."

Out-of-favour forward Maheta Molango has returned to Albion following a trial with Oldham and 20-year-old centre half Keith Lowe trains with his new team-mates for the first time today after his one-month loan move from Wolves.

Albion's proposed fixture behind closed doors at Crawley tomorrow night, a warm-up for Saturday's League One opener at Rotherham, has been cancelled. as the Broadfield Stadium is unavailable.

Young Preston striker Dave Hibbert is poised to line-up against Albion at Millmoor on Saturday, having joined Rotherham on a six-month loan.