Albion have an MLS defender training with them.

But Vancouver Whitecaps left-back Sam Adekugbe is not a signing candidate.

Adekugbe is with the Seagulls until December 20.

The 20-year-old, plagued by injuries this season, has previously trained with Liverpool and Glasgow Rangers.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber, who used to work for Vancouver, is understood to have played a leading role in the arrangement.

Although the Seagulls missed out on additional left-back cover during the loan transfer window, they more than made up for that with the captures of Manchester United striker James Wilson and Wolves winger Rajiv van La Parra.

The versatile Liam Rosenior has been switched to left-back, with Gaetan Bong (thigh) out until January.

Boss Chris Hughton also has Inigo Calderon and Adam Chicksen as back-up if anything happens to Rosenior.