Alou Diarra is stepping up his bid to earn a deal with Albion.

The former France captain and World Cup midfielder will try to prove this week that he can play a part in the Seagulls' Championship relegation fight.

The Argus revealed on Friday that Diarra is training with Albion.

The 33-year-old has linked up again with ex-Liverpool colleague Sami Hyypia after cancelling the year left on his contract with West Ham in the summer by mutual consent.

Diarra spent three years at Anfield alongside Albion boss Hyypia without making a first team appearance.

Hyypia told The Argus: "He was on loan quite a lot in France during that time but pre-seasons he was with us and the beginning of the season.

"I think we need a midfield player but is he the one? We shall see.

"He didn't have a club and when I knew I immediately invited him here.

"I have given him an opportunity to train with us and maybe at the same time we can have a look how he is.

"He has trained with a personal trainer but training alone is not the same as training with the team.

"He will be with us this week as well and we'll see what's going to happen."

Diarra played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals for France and played six Premier League games in two years at West Ham after joining them for £2 million from Marseille.

He will have to demonstrate he is ready for the intensity of the Championship after 11 months without a competitive appearance.

Albion have been short of midfield experience since the summer exit of Keith Andrews and a second serious knee injury sustained by Andrew Crofts in October.

They have been linked with a January move for Leeds United's Jamaican midfielder Rodolph Austin.

The combative 29-year-old has made only one substitute appearance for the Yorkshiremen in their last eight outings.

On-loan Gary Gardner is due to return to Aston Villa from Albion in January.