ALBION goalkeeper Mark Ormerod has asked for a transfer.

The young shot-stopper has become frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

Ormerod was left out of the squad for Tuesday's Auto Windscreens Shield tie against his home town club Bournemouth.

Teenager Will Packham was on the bench as the spare goalkeeper instead.

Ormerod's request will be considered by manager Micky Adams and the Board of Directors.

Adams confirmed: "The boy has asked for a transfer. It's for me and the Board to discuss.

"He is like everybody else in the squad. If they get the chance they've got to try and do their best."

Ormerod signed a new one-year contract last summer. But he has lost out to Mark Walton in the battle to be Albion's No. 1.

Ormerod played in the first five matches this season. He was recalled for the home win against Cheltenham in September, ironically at the same time as Walton handed in a transfer request because of abuse from fans.

Walton has won over supporters and established himself as first choice since then with a series of steady performances.

Ormerod's only appearance following the Cheltenham victory was at Swansea before Christmas, when Walton was sidelined by flu.

Ormerod played for the Reserves against Swindon at Worthing last night.

Meanwhile, Albion have been priced out of signing Lorenzo Pinamonte permanently.

Bristol City want a six-figure fee for the big Italian striker, well beyond the Seagulls' reach.

Pinamonte is battling to recover from a slight hamstring injury for the last match of his month with Albion at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday and Adams is still hoping to extend his loan.

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