ALBION’S bid to add a striker to their table-topping squad remains in the balance after the temporary exit of young defender Rob Hunt for a League One relegation battle with Oldham.

The Seagulls are currently down to two out-and-out forwards, with Sam Baldock sidelined by a calf injury and Elvis Manu back in Holland following his loan move earlier in the transfer window.

Glenn Murray or Tomer Hemed will lead the line in the FA Cup at Lincoln tomorrow, while Baldock is making good progress towards being available for next Thursday’s trip to promotion rivals Huddersfield.

January trading closes at 11pm on Tuesday and Albion boss Chris Hughton is uncertain whether he will have a fourth frontman by then.

He said: “I couldn’t tell you. We are one short, because of Elvis Manu going out. If we are able to do something then great, if we’re not I’m very happy with what we’ve got, certainly with the three strikers I’ve got at the moment and options with Solly (March), Jamie Murphy or even (Anthony) Knockaert off the front. I would be happy with that.”

Right-back Hunt, 21, has joined next-to-bottom Oldham for the rest of the season. Albion wanted to loan him out in the summer but he was needed as cover with Liam Rosenior injured. Rosenior is now on the way back and Hughton’s full-back options have been increased by the loan capture of Chelsea teenager Fikayi Tomori.

Hughton said: “This is a great move for Rob and one which we feel will benefit all parties. The opportunity is there for him to go and play regular football, week in, week out in League One and that will really benefit his development.

“He’s benefited from training with the first team and from playing in a number of the cup competitions, but now he wants to go out on loan and play regularly and it is a good time for him go and do that.”

Oldham saw off competition from Crawley and Portsmouth to land Hunt. Manager John Sheridan said: “It will do him the world of good. He has the ability to have a really good career.”

Albion could also loan out Rohan Ince or Richie Towell before the deadline.