Albion manager Sami Hyypia believes he needs several more quality signings to make Albion strong promotion contenders in the Championship this season.

The Seagulls ended their pre-season programme with a comprehensive 3-1 defeat by Southampton at the Amex last night.

They launch their league campaign at home to Sheffield Wednesday a week tomorrow and Hyypia has warned they still have plenty of work to do in the transfer market.

He told The Argus: “We are working hard to get a few more in.

“I think we need a few more quality signings in the side to really have a go this season.

“But, like I have said before, my main job, is to get everything out of the squad that I have and that is what I am intending to do.

“Other people at the club are working very hard to get in the targets we have.”

All four of the summer signings so far played a part as Albion were outclassed by the impressive Saints. New No. 1 David Stockdale and former Fulham team-mate Aaron Hughes had a full 90 minutes.

Striker Chris O’Grady played the first half and fit-again midfielder Nzuzi Toko came on in the closing stages.

Hyypia’s main priority is replacing Leo Ulloa after his £8 million move to Leicester.

He said: "It’s very important. Every team needs a player who scores goals but we need to be clever and certain before we make any decision on this front.

"I would like this kind of player to be here tomorrow but maybe it will take a little bit longer. We’ll see."