Albion have turned their attention away from Sheffield United’s Jack O’Connell in pursuit of a fourth central defender for their Premier League squad.

A second bid for the 24-year-old has been rejected by the Blades.

The Argus understands the figure was well below the £8 million figure reported elsewhere.

O’Connell and Reading’s want-away Liam Moore have been leading targets for the Seagulls to increase competition for Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy and summer signing Leon Balogun.

The Seagulls are permitted a maximum of eight homegrown players and 17 non-homegrown in their Premier League squad, to be named after the transfer window closes on August 9.

Sam Baldock’s move to Reading has reduced the number qualifying for the homegrown category to eight, including probable departure Oliver Norwood. Albion currently have 17 non-homegrown players following the record signing of Alireza Jahanbakhsh. The list includes Tomer Hemed, who could also leave.

Meanwhile, Jiri Skalak had a medical at Millwall yesterday. The 26-year-old Czech winger’s move to the Championship club should be completed today or tomorrow.

Albion have heard nothing so far from Portsmouth, who have been linked with Richie Towell. The Irish midfielder is wanted back by Rotherham, where he spent last season on loan, but wages are reportedly a stumbling block.