Steve Melton is biding his time before contemplating a permanent move to Hull.

The Albion midfielder kicked-off a month's loan with the Third Division Tigers today.

Peter Taylor, the former Seagulls chief now in charge at Hull, is keen to keep him, but Melton is loathed to commit himself at the moment.

"It's a bit too soon to think about a permanent move," he said. "I am quite settled at Brighton and I don't really want to leave, but if the decision was made for me by the two clubs then I would really have to think about it.

"The loan deal came as a bit of a surprise. I only found out Monday lunchtime, but it's good to know that Peter Taylor fancies me as a player and it's nice to link up with him again."

A report in Hull this week suggested a long-term deal has already been agreed, with no fee involved and Albion insisting on a sell-on clause.

That looks a little premature, with Seagulls supremo Steve Coppell describing a permanent departure for Melton as only a "possibility."

Taylor said: "The month loan gives him a chance to settle in and for us to have a look at him. If he performs to anything like his potential I am sure there won't be any problems."

Lincoln-born Melton, signed by Micky Adams, has not managed to command a regular place during two and a bit seasons with the Seagulls.

He made 28 League appearances in the Division Three title triumph, including a goal in a 3-0 home win over Hull, but only ten last term as Albion lifted the Second Division championship.

One of those was a goalscoring contribution under Taylor against Reading at Withdean and this season started well for Melton when he put Martin Hinshelwood's Albion ahead in the opening day win at Burnley.

He limped off with a hamstring injury minutes later and, after regaining his place, has not started a match since the home defeat by his old club Stoke in mid-September.

A number of reserve team postponements denied Melton, 24 last month, the chance to impress Steve Coppell.

With the arrival of Steve Sidwell on loan from Arsenal, his prospects of being involved in Wednesday's trip to his other former club Nottingham Forest were at best remote.

"It's been up and down for me," said Melton. "I have never really had a prolonged run in the side and that's what I have needed more than anything.

"I've not really had a case to knock on the manager's door, because he's had no chance to see a lot of us play and the team has been doing well recently."

Melton's month with Hull runs out on December 21, so he will still be with them when they move into their new stadium.