The saga of Stephen Ward's return to Albion from Wolves looks to be heading for a happy ending.

The Seagulls have finally agreed a fee with Wanderers for the Republic of Ireland international left-back and he is currently in talks to bring him back to the Amex on a permanent basis.

Providing there are no last-minute hitches over personal terms and a medical then Ward will be available for Saturday's trip to Birmingham, where he began a successful near season-on-loan with Albion a year ago.

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett said today: "The clubs have agreed and now it's down to Brighton and the player.

"It is a good move for him, he did well last year, they got into the top six and he was part of it.

"They have wanted him all along and we have moved on with Scott Golbourne and we have Tommy Rowe who can play at left back too.

"All of us thank him for what he's done and wish him all the best. He got a club reasonably quickly last season which shows the standard of the player.

"He didn't let them down. Hess got a good reputation in the Championship and has been professional here. He had been good enough to get a good move last year and he has got a good one now."