Albion utility player David Lee has been released from his short-term contract and is looking for another club.

Manager Mark McGhee confirmed today: "We are trying hard to get him a club, but he knows his contract is not being extended."

Lee, 24, was awarded a three-month deal at the beginning of July, together with Dean Hammond and Dan Beck.

The former Southend and Hull player's hopes of securing a longer contract effectively evaporated when Albion signed Darren Currie and Alexis Nicolas on the eve of the new season.

"I never really got started all the time I was at Brighton," Lee admitted. "But I worked really hard in the summer and I did quite well pre-season.

"That's why I am disappointed to be going now."

Lee, a former Tottenham trainee, made only six League appearances in two and a half seasons with the Seagulls after arriving from Hull in a swap deal involving Matthew Wicks in January 2001.

His next appearance could, ironically, be against Albion's reserves. "I have been speaking to a few clubs and Orient want me to play next week in a friendly against Brighton," he revealed.

Lee is also attracting interest from Colchester and non-league Hornchurch.

Midfielder Hammond hopes to be offered a longer deal after returning to the first team for the wins against Preston and Leicester. Striker Beck is currently on loan at Bognor.