Albion have MK Dons centre-half Shaun Williams in their sights as another possible replacement for Adam El-Abd.

The Seagulls have already targeted experienced Northern Ireland international Chris Baird to compensate for El-Abd's departure to Bristol City last week.

Now the versatile Williams has emerged as an alternative and potentially more cost-effective solution, although Albion face competition for his services from Championship rivals Millwall.

The 27-year-old Dubliner made his name in Ireland as an attacking midfielder but has operated mainly in the centre of defence since joining MK Dons from Sporting Fingal three years ago.

Albion assistant head coach Nathan Jones said this morning: "I don't want to speak about someone else's player until he has actually put pen to paper and signed for Brighton and Hove Albion.

"Shaun Williams is an MK Dons player, so I wouldn't want to comment on that."

Albion signed second choice left-back Adam Chicksen from League One MK Dons in the summer.