Albion have been told to find £50,000 or forget about keeping Matthew Wicks.

That is the fee Peterborough boss Barry Fry is demanding for his young central defender.

Wicks' month on loan with the Seagulls expires after the visit to Hull on Friday night.

Manager Micky Adams wants to sign him, but Fry's asking price may wreck the deal.

Fry said: "If they want Matthew for nothing they will have to wait until the end of the season when he is out of contract.

"We may well need him here anyway as two of my defenders are injured. If Brighton want to talk money I'll listen, otherwise my need is greater than theirs."

Wicks has played a major part in Albion's stunning revival. They are unbeaten in seven matches since the arrival of the former Arsenal and Manchester United schoolboy. Adams said: "Everybody has seen his strengths and I am sure he would be an asset to us, but obviously finances will dictate that.

"I've got a terrific board of directors who have backed me fully so far. They are supporters as well at heart and I am sure they will be trying to sign the boy."

Wicks has forged a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence with Danny Cullip, which has helped the Seagulls to four successive wins without conceding a goal.

"I love it down here," Wicks said. "We are playing well and I want to stay longer. I've not been involved in how negotiations are going, but as it's my last game on Friday I hope something can be sorted before then."

Goalkeeper Mark Cartwright's hopes of being fit for Hull have been given a boost after a scan on his groin injury yesterday revealed he will not require surgery.