Albion are still hopeful of tying up a deal to sign on-loan defender Marcos Painter permanently after talks hit a snag.

The Seagulls are in negotiations to bring the Swansea left-back south on a two-year contract and boss Gus Poyet has refuted speculation that Painter has turned them down flat.

Poyet told The Argus: “It's not as straightforward as that. Negotiations broke down, because there was a misunderstanding, but they are back on track now and there is a big possibility (that he will sign).

“He hasn't been offered anything by Swansea, so we were in a position to offer him a contract.”

The Argus understands the stumbling block to Painter's proposed move is related to relocation expenses.

Poyet will be keen to resolve the matter, particularly with reports claiming that Jimmy McNulty - who lost his place to Painter - wants to make his loan move to Scunthorpe permanent.

Poyet has also confirmed Albion are in contract talks with both Spanish right-back Inigo Calderon and Slovakian goalkeeper Peter Brezovan and he hopes to borrow winger Kazenga LuaLua back from Newcastle next season.

“We are still chasing that option,” he said. “It is likely to be a loan. He is not for sale, that is the only answer we've had.

“It could be a long-term loan, for a season or minimum half-season. I don't want short-term loans. We will also see what happens in the next few weeks with Ashley Barnes.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen and former Albion boss Mark McGhee has ruled out trying to re-sign Adam Virgo.

The defender, who is being released by the Seagulls, has been linked with a move back north of the border after McGhee sold him to Celtic while he was Albion's manager.