Albion fans have been told to be patient about the club's quest to land a proven target man.

Manager Mark McGhee has warned the Seagulls may be forced into a waiting game to sign the striker who will fire a promotion bid from League One.

Preston's Danny Dichio and Norwich's Peter Thorne head the wanted list after Sheffield United indicated Neil Shipperley is part of their squad plans for the Premiership.

A French trialist will also be joining the squad for training next week as McGhee hunts for a goalscorer.

McGhee said: "We could look for somebody that has plodded around at this level and fits the bill and might do allright but might not.

"I'm actually trying to sign somebody like Shipperley or Dichio. That's the sort of player I'd like to bring and that's the sort of player I think the fans would appreciate.

"What the fans cannot do is get impatient. I am determined to try to get somebody who is really going to make a difference, so we are just going to have to sit tight.

"The problem is you've got new managers going into clubs who are going to look at things before they make decisions. Others are going to look at pre-season before they make decisions and therefore some of these players may not be available until several weeks into pre-season."

Albion were interested in Dichio last season. The recent departure of boss Billy Davies could have a bearing on his future at Deepdale.

Norwich are willing to listen to offers for Thorne, a proven goalscorer with Stoke and Cardiff prior to his injury-plagued move to Carrow Road.