Lille’s boss has admitted Carlos Baleba could still leave this month.

But the Albion target is with his French club preparing for their Conference League play-off first leg at home to Rijeka.

A report that the Seagulls had agreed a fee this week was unreliable and Baleba has spent the week training with Lille.

He made a brief appearance off the bench in the league at the weekend having started the opening game at Nice.

Lille coach Paulo Fonseca said yesterday he did not expect his star striker Jonathan David to depart this month, despite interest.

But he did not make the same comment when asked about Baleba.

Fonseca told reporters: “We must concentrate on the match.

“I know there is a possibility that Carlos will leave but today he is with us here.

“He will be in the match. He has to be concentrated on our match because he is here.

“I have spoken with Carlos. He is very motivated to be part of the group for this match.”

Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he would love to sign a Moises Caicedo type of midfielder after the Ecuador star moved to Chelsea.

But the Seagulls believe they generally have a strong squad and are unlikely to be rushed into any deal.

Lille themselves could need funds as Fonseca makes it clear he still wants to sign a goalkeeper and a forward this month.

As of last night, there was understood to be no update on a potential move for Baleba.

Albion have been speculatively linked with young Uruguay midfielder Fabricio Diaz but there is no confirmation of that interest from sources in this country.

Highly-regarded South American football expert Tim Vickery told TalkSPORT listeners yesterday that Diaz is a gifted ball-player but he would not see him as a combative midfielder in Caicedo’s mould.