Albion striker Graham Barrett has hit back at claims by Preston that his agent priced him out of a permanent move to Deepdale.

The on-loan Arsenal striker insists his demands were not excessive but he admits the uncertainty surrounding his future is unsettling him.

Preston chairman Derek Shaw blamed the collapse of Barrett's proposed transfer on a three-and-a-half-year contract on the greed of his agent.

Barrett said: "I know my agent. He's a close personal friend as well and I was aware of everything that was going on. He came to me before he did anything.

"I wouldn't even call them demands. There was just maybe a breakdown in communication.

"The demands were nowhere near excessive. They were very fair for what I've achieved so far and what I potentially will achieve in the future.

"I really do think a lot of their manager Craig Brown and the footballing staff they have there. I was really impressed with them, but they have stated the deal is off."

The transfer window for Premiership clubs shuts next Friday and Barrett is waiting to hear if any other clubs come in for him.

'It is unsettling at the moment," he said. "I don't really agree with the transfer window. It would be better if you could just buy or sell all the way through the season. Everyone is trying to do things in a matter of days just to fit it in.

'I just want to get things sorted out one way or another so I can concentrate on my football. If something does happen I will concentrate on that, if it doesn't then I will concentrate on Brighton and helping them stay up.

"I am in a bit of limbo. A phone call could change my whole life, but everybody here has been really supportive.

"It puts Brighton in a bad position. They can't do anything because I'm an Arsenal player but everyone, including the fans, have been great.

"When I came off against Portsmouth last Saturday they gave me a really great reception and I thank them for that. I'm glad they appreciate what I've been trying to do."

Meanwhile, Brown has echoed the views of his chairman regarding the breaking of the club's wage structure.

Brown said: "Although he's a very good player we can't put his earnings in excess of those who have done well for us, like Ricardo Fuller and Richard Cresswell, who are established top class strikers.'

All the latest from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk