Albion are still interested in Billy Paynter to beef up their attack.

But Leeds seem unlikely to let the out-of-favour striker link up with the Seagulls.

The clubs were unable to agree a fee when Albion tried to buy Paynter at the end of the August transfer window.

Now Gus Poyet has taken a sarcastic swipe at Leeds, where he was assistant manager under Dennis Wise.

“It was an option in the summer, it was an option a month ago,”said the Albion chief. “He is still not in the squad but it looks like we cannot get him.

“Maybe Leeds think we are a team that are going to be fighting for the same place. That’s a funny one.

“Maybe on Monday I will realise we are fighting for the same things as West Ham or Southampton.”

Meanwhile, Poyet has revealed he would welcome Scottish international striker Craig Mackail-Smith being selected by Stuart Pearce for the GB football team for next year’s London Olympics.

“I would love Macca to play in the Olympic Games if he wants to,” the Uruguayan said.

“It is one of the biggest stages in sport, so if he got the chance I think it would be great for him.

“It’s a unique chance. I didn't get that chance myself, we never qualified, but I think it is good for once that they are playing football as a British team.”