BOSS Chris Hughton has left the door ajar for a permanent move from Albion for Oliver Norwood.

But Fulham will have to raise their offer considerably for the Seagulls to contemplate losing the Northern Ireland international midfielder.

The Seagulls have rejected a bid from the Championship promotion challengers to turn Norwood’s season-long loan switch into a permanent deal. It fell well short of their valuation.

Hughton said: “He’s gone there and played games. They are on a good run at the moment. If it’s right for all three parties then yes, possibly something will be done.

“At this moment he is still our player and we are delighted he is playing regular games and playing in a team that is playing well.”

Norwood is under contract with Albion until June 2019. They are reluctant to lose the 26-year-old without knowing which division they will be in next season.

Norwood joined the Seagulls on a free transfer from Reading two summers ago. He made 33 appearances in last season’s promotion campaign before moving to Fulham in July.

Norwood has made an impressive contribution at Craven Cottage, five goals in 26 league games helping them to within a point and a place of the top six.

Meanwhile, an Argus source has rubbished reports linking Albion with 23-year-old Spanish midfielder Victor Camarasa from Real Betis.

Albion have no firm plans to replace Steve Sidwell, who has undergone ankle surgery during his recovery from a back operation which has prevented him playing any part in the Premier League survival bid.

Beram Kayal returned recently from a broken leg to compete with this season’s regular central midfield pairing of Dale Stephens and Davy Propper. German Pascal Gross, used primarily as a No.10, can also play in midfield.

Albion last night cancelled Kazenga LuaLua's contract with immediate effect to allow the winger to join Sunderland on a free transfer for the rest of the season.

LuaLua’s second loan in as many seasons with Queens Park Rangers was cut short in December.

Hughton said: “The competition for places in our wide areas means that it has been very difficult for Kazenga to play the number of matches he would have liked here.

"He has worked tremendously hard during his time with us and has played a major part in the club’s history. I would like to wish him all the very best for the future on behalf of everyone at the club.”