Albion boss Gus Poyet has added a centre-half to his summer shopping list after losing Tommy Elphick for the start of next season.

Poyet will sign a stopper to compensate for Elphick’s absence for up to six months with a ruptured Achilles and doubts about Adam El-Abd’s recovery period from a broken foot bone.

The injury sustained by Elphick during Saturday’s final game of the season at Notts County has changed the Uruguayan’s thinking.

He had no firm plans to sign a central defender for the Seagulls’ return to the Championship at The Amex but the blow of losing Elphick on top of El-Abd leaves only captain Gordon Greer and untested teenager Lewis Dunk.

James Tunnicliffe’s future seems to lie elsewhere after spending the season on loan to relegated Bristol Rovers.

Poyet revealed to The Argus: “You are always aware of the market but I was not looking specifically for a centre half. Now it is very important. I cannot take a risk waiting for Adam and Tommy to get better. The beginning of the season is very important for us.”

El-Abd will still be on crutches when he gets married in a month’s time. Poyet said: “He is usally a quick healer but it will depend on how quickly he heals this time.

“If everything is normal then he should be fit for the beginning of pre-season but I cannot wait until then.”

Dunk, 19, made only his ninth appearance as Elphick’s second half replacement in the 1-1 draw against Notts County.

Poyet added: “I think Dunky is going to challenge strongly, there is no doubt about it. He has been talking, dominating and taking on more responsibility in the reserves.

“That is what he has got to do, be more commanding. He is going to get better and better.”

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