Albion are still in the running to sign Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, regardless of which division they are playing in next season.

Van Dijk is expected to move into English football from Groningen.

The Seagulls continue to monitor the progress of the highly-rated centre-half and his agent has revealed their interest will not be wrecked if they miss out on promotion to the Premier League.

Albion had two bids for van Dijk turned down by Groningen during the January transfer window.

The 6ft 4in Dutch under-21 international is under contract until 2015 and Groningen were desperate to keep hold of him to help their fight against relegation from the top-flight.

They are well on their way to achieving that target and are bracing themselves for the departure of van Dijk, who is also a target for Premier League clubs.

His agent Henk-Maarten Chin told The Argus: “I know that Brighton are still watching him. Obviously, we are also still open to everything and he is still playing well.

“There’s more interest from everywhere at the moment, some other countries. It’s too early to say something.”

Chin said it is “very possible” van Dijk’s future will be in England next season. Albion remain contenders for his signatures, even if they are in the Championship again.

“Of course, it would be great if they were promoted to the Premiership,” Chin said. “But if not the situation is still the same. It’s a good club, they are ambitious with a good plan there for Virgil.”