Albion have not thrown in the towel over their interest in Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

But they accept a deal for the out-of-favour Serbian centre-forward will be difficult to pull off in the final few days of the transfer window.

It follows a hands-off message from boss Rafa Benitez over Mitrovic ahead of Newcastle’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea tomorrow.

Benitez, speaking yesterday, said: “I have been clear with him and his agent that he will only leave if we sign players, and not to a Premier League rival.

“I see Brighton are interested, but we are not selling any player to any other PL club - unless they want to come with £50 million.”

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley may have a different view if Newcastle conclude a deal with Feyenoord for their £20 million-rated Danish striker Nicolai Jorgensen.

Albion, according to reports in the north-east, had an opening offer of £8 million rejected for Mitrovic, who is eager to get away from St James’ Park before the window shuts on Wednesday evening.

The 23-year-old was prolific for previous club Anderlecht and has continued to score goals for his country.

His career has stalled under the command of Benitez and he is eager for game time in the build-up to Serbia’s appearance in the World Cup finals in Russia this summer.

Meanwhile, Albion retain loan-only interest in re-signing Leo Ulloa from Leicester City.

The 31-year-old Argentinian marksman and the Foxes are understood to prefer a permanent exit from the King Power Stadium.