Albion manager Chris Hughton says he would be happy if the transfer window closed now after signing three players and keeping hold of Chris O’Grady.

But he has not ruled out another loan addition to the squad.

Hughton revealed yesterday that in-form O’Grady will not be going back to Sheffield United or anywhere else before the January window shuts on Monday evening.

Albion have recaptured Greg Halford on loan from Nottingham Forest this month, borrowed Leon Best from Blackburn for the rest of the season and bought Beram Kayal from Celtic.

Hughton, asked by The Argus if he would be happy with the window closing now, said: “Yes I would. As manager you have responsibility that when that deadline comes you’ve done the best you can.

“It is very difficult, because you have got to assess things, anticipate anything that might happen as regards interest in your players.

“I would be happy, because I think we’ve got competition in the squad. We also have the benefit of the loan system opening up again some seven or eight days after the window. So at the moment, with Dale (Stephens) very close, Kazenga (LuaLua) back and Kayal signing, then we have managed to get some competition in the squad.”

LuaLua, sidelined since November by knee trouble, has been back in training for the past 48 hours and Stephens, out since April with ankle damage, had a second run-out in the under-21s yesterday.

Albion’s lingering hopes of borrowing Elliott Bennett back from Norwich to add to the temporary signings of Halford, Best, Joao Teixeira and Joe Bennett have deteriorated.

Bennett made his first appearance for Norwich since September in the second half of their home defeat by Brentford last Saturday.

The Seagulls still have room for one more loan, the maximum permitted in the matchday squad, rather than the unsatisfactory situation they had before Christmas of six.

Hughton said: “I’d prefer to have five, but I wouldn’t hesitate if I felt it was right for us to go into that loan market once it re-opens again. Ideally you don’t really want to be going more than five.”

Virus victim Teixeira resumed training yesterday after missing Sunday’s FA Cup exit against Arsenal but remains a doubt for tomorrow’s trip to Blackpool. Halford (calf), on the verge of a comeback, will have to wait until after the visit to the Amex by his parent club Forest a week tomorrow for a return to first team action.

Meanwhile, former Albion striker Glenn Murray has signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.