Albion are losing patience in their bid to bring Elliott Bennett back to the Amex.

The Seagulls have hit a brick wall in their attempts to sign the winger for a third time on loan from Norwich.

They are turning their attentions to other targets, including Chris Eagles.

Bennett, a key member of Albion’s League One title winning squad in 2010-11, returned to the club on loan in November and made seven appearances.

He has not played since going back to Carrow Road after straining a hamstring in his farewell, penalty-winning outing for the Seagulls at Fulham at Christmas, but is now back in training.

Bennett, 26, played in the Premier League under Albion boss Chris Hughton at Norwich before serious knee damage early last season ruled him out for nine months.

Eagles, meanwhile, has left Albion’s next Championship opponents Blackpool after a two-month contract with the rock-bottom Lancastrians.

The 29-year-old former Burnley and Bolton winger scored a winning goal for Watford against Albion from the halfway line at Withdean nine years ago.