Gus Poyet last night admitted he cannot risk waiting too long for Kazenga LuaLua.

Negotiations for the winger have stalled between his current club Newcastle and Albion, who want to sign him on a full transfer.

Poyet insists that could yet happen but says he needs to know one way or another so he can pursue other targets if necessary.

The Albion boss said: “We have still got a chance.

“It’s one of those where we need to get some good or bad news quite soon.”

Asked if he could wait for LuaLua, he added: “You are taking a big risk if you do that.

“In the worst case you wait too long and then find you can’t get other good players in that position.”

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was back at work after holiday yesterday but indications from the North East are that United are in no great rush to decide on the future of their young winger as he approaches the last season of his current contract.

The right offer from the Seagulls could help make up their minds.

Albion remain keen on Owen Garvan, the creative Irish midfielder for whom they have already offered £250,000.

Poyet said: “We would be interested at the right price and the right time.”