Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough has revealed how his club lost out to Albion in the chase for Chris O’Grady.

Clough has taken the striker to Bramall Lane until at least the end of January on loan.

But he wanted to secure him on a more permanent basis last summer – until the Seagulls moved in.

Clough said: “There aren't too many strikers of Chris's calibre around at the moment.

"We liked him last season at Barnsley and he has got good Championship experience.

“Chris was a target for us in the summer but Brighton came in with a deal we simply couldn't match in terms of wages and what they could have been potentially offering him as a playing challenge.

"Talks of a permanent move haven't taken place. Hopefully we will extend it until the end of the season come January and then re-assess in the summer."

Nottingham-born O’Grady could make his debut against Notts County tomorrow night in an eagerly-awaited clash between two sides currently occupying play-off places.

Clough has not ruled him out but revealed he is carrying "a slight knock".

A win would take Blades into fourth place pending Saturday’s games.

O’Grady follows Peterborough-bound Craig Mackail-Smith out of the Amex on loan.

Albion boss Sami Hyypia said: “Like CMS, Chris also wants to play regular first-team football and currently we can't guarantee that for Chris.”