ALBION’S long pursuit of Florin Andone has hit a dead end.

Deportivo La Coruna are refusing to sell the Romanian international striker as they fight a relegation battle in La Liga.

Albion’s deal to buy Andone was wrecked at the end of the summer transfer window by the collapse of Argentinian Guido Carrello’s proposed move from Monaco to Deportivo.

The Argus revealed earlier this month that Andone remained on the list of striker targets.

The 25-year-old was on the fringes of selection in the first half of the season but headed his second goal in as many games to earn Deportivo a point at Villarreal on Sunday.

He is popular with fans and club president Tino Fernandez cannot afford to lose him without having a replacement lined up.

Andone, speaking to reporters ahead of the weekend clash with Valencia, said: “I’ve been talking with Tino and there is no doubt.

“I want to be here and he wants me to be here – and hopefully for many years. There is no chance of me leaving this month.

“I’ve got three-and-a-half years left on my contract and, if tomorrow, Depor offered me a new deal, I’d sign for six or seven more years.”

Meanwhile, Gaetan Bong has volunteered to act as a go-between to assist with Albion’s interest in Cameroon striker Karl Toko Ekambi from French club Angers.

Left-back Bong was also a Cameroon international who played club football in France.

He told The Argus: “I’ve heard about things, like everyone. I’m not involved, I don’t know what’s happened. I’m from Cameroon, he’s a Cameroon guy.

“Maybe if someone asked me I could help, I could push. I was in this position. Now I am in England I know how things work.

“I know about the club, I know our strengths, but when you are from France the only thing you see is Brighton were promoted, at the end of the season they can go down.

“For some players from the outside it’s not easy to say ‘Okay, I am going to Brighton’ because they don’t know what’s going on.

“Some teams in the Premier League try to give massive wages as well. I know at this club we try to stay focused, we don’t do crazy things.

“If it is true and someone asked me I think I can help, because I know people that know him and I could maybe say more things.”