The Dean Hammond saga is about to draw to a close - if he fancies a Championship relegation fight.

Colchester have renewed their interest in Albion's skipper by tabling a second bid, which the Seagulls have accepted.

It is now up to Hammond to decide whether he wants to move to Layer Road.

He was in talks last night with the Essex strugglers as the clock ticks towards the shut-down of the January transfer window.

Colchester had a £200,000 bid turned down by Albion at the start of the month.

Hammond has been made available for transfer, because he has refused a new contract and can leave for nothing at the end of the season when his current deal runs out. More movement is expected in and out of Albion today as their feverish activity during the window continues.

They are still trying to agree a fee with Chesterfield for the League Two club's captain and midfielder, Peter Leven.

Albion have had a £50,000 offer rejected for the Scot, who will be out of contract at Saltergate at the end of the season.

Nathan Elder could be the latest striker to leave. Brentford and Wycombe Wanderers have made bids in the region of £25,000 and the former Billericay man is likely to join one of them today.