Albion want Alan Blayney back next season to challenge Michel Kuipers for the No. 1 spot.

Blayney is manager Mark McGhee's first choice to replace the retired Ben Roberts, although former Arsenal keeper Rami Shaaban is still an option.

Blayney has returned to Southampton as the relegation-haunted Saints prepare for Sunday's crucial Premiership visit by Manchester United.

The 23-year-old Northern Irishman, signed on loan in March, impressed McGhee with his performances in the last seven matches.

He took over from the injured Shaaban as the Seagulls scrapped their way to Championship survival, culminating in last Sunday's safety-sealing point at home to Ipswich.

McGhee believes that Blayney, third choice at St Mary's behind Antti Niemi and Paul Smith, is keen to come back for good.

"He's not told me directly but my understanding is he would like to move to the club permanently," McGhee revealed today.

"Obviously, Southampton are going to have a big say in that. He's got a year of his contract left. If they want a fee then that probably rules it out straight away. Maybe he will be available to us next year on loan, so we have got to explore every possibility.

"He would certainly be a great player to have, permanently or on a longer term loan, to put pressure on Michel when he comes back fit and they can scrap for the place.

"He's certainly put himself ahead of Rami, there's no doubt about it. Rami played and has trained for quite a long time with a toe injury which was affecting his performance.

"As the toe has got better he has got better but Alan has been in the team and done well.

"I've not spoken to Rami yet but I will be speaking to him on Friday and discussing what happens here. If Blayney can't come then we have got to consider Rami."

McGhee wants Dan Harding to confirm on Friday, when the players report back from a four-day break in Spain, that he will be signing a new contract.

"Dan has said he will re-sign but I'll be asking him for an answer on Friday. I don't think we can go beyond that."

Leon Knight revealed to The Argus last week that he is going to sign a one-year deal.