Albion manager Mark McGhee challenged Kerry Mayo today to make the leftback spot his for keeps again by getting in tip-top shape.

Dan Harding's move to Leeds has left a hole for long-serving Mayo to re-establish himself in the Seagulls' defence.

McGhee said: "Dan Harding going should be good news for Kerry Mayo.

"The place is his and we won't rush out to sign another leftback until we see how Kerry shapes up.

"I said to Kerry at the end of the season his stamina is second to none but his power and dynamic fitness has not always been as good as it should be to allow him to demonstrate how good a footballer he is.

"I've asked him to slim down, to really come back as fit as he has ever been in his life."

Mayo, 27, admitted: "Dan leaving has left the door wide open for me to confirm my place as first choice leftback.

"I am keeping myself in shape and I want to give the gaffer no choice other than to play me and to stop him looking for a new leftback."

McGhee's quest to strengthen his squad continues.

He lost out to Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers in a bid to sign Ian Evatt from Chesterfield as a replacement for the injured Adam Hinshelwood in the centre of defence.

The Albion boss revealed: "We made an approach for Evatt but he chose Queens Park Rangers for the same sort of reasons that Dan Harding chose Leeds.

"He sees them as a bigger option for him at this moment in time than Brighton."

McGhee has also now ruled out re-signing former loan keeper Alan Blayney, as Southampton want a fee for the Northern Irishman.