ALBION are unlikely to bring former goalscoring hero Leo Ulloa back to the Amex.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Ulloa who has also been linked to a return to the Seagulls.

The Argus understands Leicester would prefer a permanent exit for the Argentinian – and Albion have no interest in buying him back.

The centre-forward scored 26 goals in 58 games for the Seagulls before moving to Leicester in July 2014 for an initial fee of £8 million.

The 31-year-old, part of the Leicester squad that won the Premier League two years ago, has made only four brief substitute appearances for the Foxes this season under Claude Puel.

Albion boss Chris Hughton is still keen to increase his firepower before the January transfer window shuts following the record signing of Jurgen Locadia and return to Chelsea of loan addition Izzy Brown with a season-ending knee injury.

Meanwhile, Albion are just three points off the bottom of the table after Swansea secured a shock 1-0 victory over visitors Liverpool at the Liberty Stadium last night.

Alfie Mawson put Swansea ahead in the 41st minute when he swept home a half-volley after Liverpool failed to clear a corner.

Although the Swans stay bottom, they are just three points from safety and just six points now separate the bottom 11 teams.

The Seagulls host Swansea on Saturday, February 24.